Pembrokeshire’s Community Transport network celebrates success at Community Transport Assocation Awards 2026

Pembrokeshire’s Community Transport network is celebrating an outstanding national success, after securing three major award wins from four shortlisted nominations at the prestigious Community Transport Association (CTA) Awards 2026, held at The Midland Hotel, Manchester on 4 June. 

The achievement reflects the strength, collaboration and impact of community transport services across the county, with Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO) playing a central role in supporting and coordinating delivery across a wide network of providers and partners.

The Award wins were as follows:

• 🏆 Partnership of the Year – PACTO & Royal Voluntary Service (PIVOT Transport Service) 

• 🏆 Volunteer of the Year – Joan Stace (Manorbier and District Community Transport) 

• 🏆 Community Transport Ally of the Year – Professor Charles Musselwhite 

Speaking after the event, Ady Poole, General Manager of PACTO, said: 

“We are incredibly proud to see PACTO and Pembrokeshire’s Community Transport network recognised on a national stage. This is a real team effort, from our volunteers and drivers through to our partners and member organisations. 

“These awards reflect the difference community transport makes every day, ensuring people can access healthcare, remain independent, and stay connected to their communities.” 

A standout moment of the evening was the recognition of Joan Stace, founder of Manorbier and District Community Transport, who received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Her decades of dedication were recognised nationally, reflecting what many in Pembrokeshire already know: that her work has helped shape a stronger, more connected community. 

The success of the PACTO & Royal Voluntary Service partnership (PIVOT Transport Service) was also celebrated, recognising its vital role in supporting hospital discharge, urgent care access, and community‑based recovery. The service , and its wider partnership with West Wales Care & Repair and Volunteering Matters, ensures that people are not left stranded at critical moments, providing transport, practical help and reassurance. 

The awards also recognised Professor Charles Musselwhite of Aberystwyth University as CT Ally of the Year, reflecting his long‑standing commitment to championing community transport and working alongside PACTO and partners to improve transport, health and mobility outcomes. 

Reflecting on his award, Professor Musselwhite said: “I am absolutely delighted to have received the Community Transport Ally of the Year Award at the Community Transport Association Awards.

“As researchers, we often hope our work will make a difference. Awards like this are a reminder that research can have real-world impact when it is developed with communities rather than simply about them.

“This award is really a reflection of the many people and organisations I have had the privilege to work alongside over the years. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences, challenged my thinking, collaborated on projects and helped turn ideas into action.”

The strong showing at the awards demonstrates the power of partnership working in Pembrokeshire, bringing together transport providers, health services, third sector organisations and volunteers to deliver a coordinated, compassionate and highly effective system. 

PACTO works with a wide range of partners including Royal Voluntary Service (Pembrokeshire), Volunteering Matters, West Wales Care & Repair, Pembrokeshire County Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board and Motability Foundation, ensuring that transport is integrated with health, wellbeing and social support services across the county. 

Community transport is widely recognised as a lifeline for rural communities, enabling access to healthcare, reducing isolation, supporting independence and improving quality of life for some of the most vulnerable people. 

This national recognition not only celebrates past achievements but strengthens PACTO’s position as a leader in community transport innovation, helping to shape future services and secure ongoing investment in Pembrokeshire’s communities. 

Notes to Editors 

• The Community Transport Association (CTA) Awards recognise excellence across the UK community transport sector. 

• PACTO is the umbrella organisation supporting community transport operators across Pembrokeshire. 

• Services include Dial‑a‑Ride, volunteer driver schemes, accessible transport and integrated health transport services such as PIVOT.