Castle Point Social Car Scheme is a local registered charity, receiving only voluntary donations. It is based at the Tyrells in Seamore Avenue Benfleet, providing travel for the elderly and disabled residents of Castle Point allowing them to keep their independence. 

The Car Scheme was formed following a report prepared in 1996 for Social Services which indicated that Castle Point had a growing problem, of lack of affordable transport for the elderly living within the Borough. This report was brought to the attention of the Management Committee of Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services (CAVS) who decided that it would investigate how this could be resolved. The CAVS Co-ordinator Annie Campbell and Committee member Dick Holmes  were asked to look into how this could be achieved. 

Thurrock Council had a large existing scheme and this was used as the model to set up our own. In 1997 the scheme was launched from CAVS office in Long Road on Canvey Island. Peggy Grant became the first volunteer office worker and drivers were recruited. Ray Butcher, Ray Frost and Dick Holmes are still on the active list of volunteer drivers. 

By 1999 the scheme had grown significantly and needed to move from the already cramped space in Long Road. A Management Committee was formed under the Chair of Ray Butcher and office space was found at Tyrells to take the scheme forward. Using the Community Transport Associations template, a Company Limited by Guarantee was established and Charitable Status was obtained. In April 2002 theCar Scheme was established and Jim Grant, the first full time paid official, was appointed as Manager.

 All 24 car scheme drivers are volunteers, who use their own vehicles, receiving just a mileage allowance to cover out of pocket expenses.  Besides the drivers, in the office covering the bookings, are 6 volunteers giving freely of their time, answering hundreds of call and other enquires.

The current membership stands at some 600 active members.

The service includes taking scheme members to hospitals, either local or in London, clinics for blood test, physio, dental, opticians, chiropody, and on the social side to the post office, shopping, visits to friends and relations, in fact almost any type of journey we all take for granted.

In February 2007 a vehicle capable of carrying a wheelchair and up to 2 other passengers was purchased by the scheme, replacing our old mobility car which has been a great asset, allowing it to help people who may otherwise be housebound.

Community Transport 

Running along side the Car Scheme is the Community Transport operation using Accessible minibuses, and providing transport locally to Day Care Centres, Luncheon Clubs, various Church groups, Senior Citizens Clubs. Sometimes we are requested for transport of groups to the theatre or holiday destinations.