Kent Connect to Support

Out and about

Being part of the community and being able to get out and about in Kent is essential for our health and wellbeing. There is a range of services and accessible travel options to enable people to go shopping, visit friends and attend appointments. 

Free bus passes are available for eligible older or disabled residents, and community transport schemes - including Kent Karrier dial‑a‑ride, offer door‑to‑door, wheelchair‑accessible transport for people who cannot use regular buses.

You can also find out about  Blue Badge parking, journey assistance cards for bus users, and accessible routes and services across Kent’s public transport network to help people travel confidently and independently.

Getting around

If you can't access public transport, you can get access to a bus or a car service via community transport. They're locally run and managed transport schemes for specific groups or communities. Parishes, charities, and community groups can set up a community transport scheme to give those who cannot easily access other public transport access to a bus or car service.

  • Kent Karrier is a dial-a-ride service. It will take you from your home to set locations, such as the nearest town centre or supermarket. All services are operated with wheelchair accessible vehicles and experienced drivers will give you all the help you need. You can apply online or phone.03000 41 35 67. Find out more on the Kent Karrier website.

  • Kent Connected is here to provide you with the information you need to widen your travel perspectives and to inspire you to try alternative methods. There is information on planning your journey, car sharing, community transport providers, cycling routes and more.

  • Bus passes for older or disabled people. The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free local bus travel to eligible older people and eligible disabled people on bus services across England. Find out more and make an application.

  • KCC Travel Saver. The KCC Travel Saver is a bus pass that can save parents and pupils up to 50% on the cost of travel to and from school. For most children's journeys, this pass will save you around 50% of what you might pay for an annual season ticket from a bus operator.

  • Discounted rail travel. You can get 1/3 off adult rail travel for you and an adult companion with a Disabled Persons Railcard.. For everyone aged 60 and over you can get a Senior Railcard, giving you a 1/3 off travel. And a Veteran's Railcard also offering 1/3 off fares.

  • Volunteer drivers. Local volunteer centres often have voluntary drivers to take residents to appointments or errands. Find your local volunteer centre on the Kent Volunteers website to find out more.

While you're out

  • The Blue Badge parking scheme is a service that allows people with disabilities or health conditions to park closer to their destination. The scheme is available in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. To apply for a blue badge, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a permanent or substantial disability that affects your mobility or receiving certain benefits. Visit Kent.gov to find to more and make an application.

  • The National Key Scheme offers disabled people independent access to locked public toilets around the country. Toilets fitted with National Key Scheme (NKS) locks can now be found in shopping centres, pubs, cafés, department stores, bus and train stations and many other locations in most parts of the country. Find out more on the Disability Rights UK website.

  • Changing Places Toilets. Did you know that over a 1/4 million people in the UK need Changing Places Toilets to enable them to get out and about and enjoy the day-to-day activities which many of us take for granted. To use a toilet in safety and comfort, these people need to be able to access a CPT, which has more space and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench, a peninsular toilet and a celling hoist. Find your local Changing Places.

  • Public toilets. If you’re caught short while out, you can use the Toilet Map website to find a loo near you.

  • ShopMobility UK co-ordinates a network of local ShopMobility centres which hire mobility scooters, powerchairs and wheelchairs for everyone, of all ages, to enjoy independence outdoors. Find your local ShopMobility.

Keeping safe

Keeping safe while out and about starts with simple steps like planning your route, staying aware of your surroundings, and keeping your phone charged. Using well‑lit, busy areas, letting someone know where you’re going, and trusting your instincts can help you feel more confident. 

You can find digital solutions to help while out and about on our Technology Enhanced Lives pages. There are also useful links below.

  • The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces. Find out more on the Sunflower website.

  • My Community Voice. Why not sign up for local policing alerts through My Community Voice. This can offer extra reassurance and support when you're out in the community.

  • Antisocial behaviour and reporting crime. You can report antisocial behaviour, vandalism, hate crime, road accidents and seek more advice on the Kent Police website.

  • Walk safe app. Walksafe is a free personal safety mobile app designed to help people feel safer while out and about. It allows you to plan safer routes and stay connected to trusted friends and family. Find out more on the Walksafe website.

  • Safe places scheme, Many shops, libraries and public buildings are part of the Safe places scheme. There is usually a sticker in the window advertising the place. Find out more on the Safe places website.
Last updated: 26/03/2026