Things we do without a second thought ... but for some people every journey, no matter how short, has to be planned in great detail.

For those with mobility problems or other health conditions which make it difficult to get around, a Central Scotland charity provides a vital lifeline.

The Order of Malta Dial-a-Journey Ltd provides a door-to-door transport service for people of all ages who struggle to use conventional public transport.

Kathleen Welsh is the chairperson and, being confined to a wheelchair all her life, knows exactly the huge benefits the service provides.

"It's my legs," she admitted. "And, most importantly, it allows me to make choices."

Having used Dial-a-Journey over 4900 times, Kathleen, who lives in Alva, is well versed in how important it is to many people. "I've got confidence that the services I am using and know that it will look
after my needs," she said.

Dial-a-Journey grew out of a service provided in the mid-1980s for those living in disability accommodation provided by the Margaret
Blackwood Housing Association. The Order of Malta provided two specially adapted minibuses to be a transport link for those living in
Stirling and John O'Hara Court in Camelon when it opened.

Aware of the benefits, Central Regional Council agreed to take over the scheme, providing drivers through the Manpower Services Comm-ission community programme which helped get people back into work.

The Order of Malta, which still provides vital funding support, donated the buses and, in 1991, when Dial-a-Journey became a limited company, the council agreed to increase its contribution as long as the service was rolled out to the entire area.

When Central Region was disbanded in 1996, service agreements were set up with Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils.

Dial-a-Journey now covers 2040 square miles from Crianlarich to Bo'ness, Yetts O'Muckhart to Strathblane.

Kathleen first read about the service in her local paper and applied to go on a shopping trip. At that time she was living with her 80-year-old mother and was virtually housebound.

Shortly afterwards, she was asked to join a users group which was meeting in Stirling.

"I'd just experienced Marks & Spencer so asked if it would be possible to go shopping. When they said 'maybe after the meeting', that was me hooked! It was February 5, 1987 – the date's imprinted on my brain," she said.

"We provide an all-encompassing care service for people with a level of mobility problems who require that little bit extra. Drivers go to the door and help people out of their homes and into the buses, then, on the return journeys, ensure that they are returned home safely.

"It's the difference between living your life and enjoying your life. If it wasn't for the service, I'd be sitting staring at four walls."

During its first 12 months, Dial-a-Journey carried 2000 passengers with this rising to a staggering 80,000 last year. Now it boasts 24 buses which, as well as being used for the normal daily service, are also available to hire. They also have several self-drive cars which people can hire to go to on trips, anything from holidays to funerals.

There are now 40 staff employed, including drivers and administrative staff based at the head office in Springkerse Industrial Estate in Stirling.

Passengers are aged from the very young to those in their nineties.
Heidi Anderson is the operations manager, having worked with Dial-a-Journey for the last eight years. She started off as a driver and admits to missing the day-to-day contact with passengers, but now she is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the entire operation.

"We offer free membership of Dial-a-Journey and, once they've joined, people can book the door-to-door service up to six days in advance. It operates on a first come, first served basis," explained Heidi.

The service runs daily between 7.30 a.m. and 10 p.m., although journeys after 10 p.m. are sometimes possible by special arrangement. It operates 364 days a year, only closing on New Year's Day.

Heidi added: "We take people shopping, on social outings, to church, the cinema, garden centres and to Strathcarron Hospice."

Thanks to the funding from the local authorities fares are subsidised. Kathleen said a taxi trip from Alva to Falkirk could cost her up to £19, while with Dial-a-Journey she pays £8.40.

She said: "As a registered disabled person I am entitled to a free bus pass but that's as much use to me as a chocolate teapot. There's not a public transport bus that could take me and my wheelchair. It's really a type of discrimination that the only form of transport I can use I have to pay for."

Heidi added: "It would be ideal if the Government extended the concession scheme to Dial-a-Journey."