About Us
A charity making accessible travel, days out and holidays possible for people living with disability or complex illness.
Our story
Jumbulance exists for two groups of people. First, for people living with disability or complex illness who want a day out, a holiday or a life-enriching experience without their condition standing in the way. Second, for volunteers who want to make a genuine difference and gain real, valuable experience while doing it. Every part of what we do is designed around the people who travel with us and the people who help them get there.
We make that possible on board our specially adapted vehicles. Each Jumbulance is purpose-built or converted for accessible travel, with wheelchair lifts, stretcher beds and comfortable seating for up to 24 passengers, so wheelchair users, people with complex medical needs, their families and their carers can travel together in comfort and safety. From seaside days out and city breaks to ski adventures in Austria and pilgrimages to Lourdes, our trained volunteers and support team travel on every single journey, so nothing stands in the way of getting there.
The result is more than transport. For our travellers, Jumbulance offers a lifeline: breaking down barriers, sparking friendships, creating adventure and giving every person a true sense of belonging, with memories that last a lifetime. For our volunteers, it's the chance to be part of something extraordinary and meaningful, building confidence and experience while helping someone else's world open up. Together, our trustees, staff and volunteers are building a community where everyone belongs and no one is left behind.
Age, disability and illness should not be a barrier to having a holiday or a day out
Our journey
From a single idea to a community of trustees, staff and volunteers, here are the moments that shaped Jumbulance.
Kathryn Salvesen MBE establishes the charity to make accessible travel possible for people living with disability or complex illness.
Our new Jumbulance is dedicated and blessed at Hatfield House, expanding the journeys we can offer.
Jumbulance Trust announces the purchase of a new vehicle and a sponsorship agreement with the Premier League.
We team up with South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to adapt a multi-patient transfer vehicle.
Caroline Southgate, physiotherapist and CQC inspector, becomes Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Trustees, staff and volunteers continue to create accessible adventures and memories that last a lifetime.
Our trustees
Our volunteer trustees bring expertise from health and social care, transport, travel, marketing and finance to guide the Trust.
Founder and Honorary Life President
Since it was established in 2001, we at Jumbulance Trust believe that age, disability and illness should not be a barrier to having a holiday or a day out. It has been a privilege to serve for over 40 years and I am confident in the new team to steer Jumbulance, since my retirement in 2019.
Chairperson
Caroline is a qualified physiotherapist with her own practice and is also founder and manager of Doris Jones Ltd, a company that specialises in the delivery of home care. She is an independent inspector for the Care Quality Commission. Caroline and her family travelled by Jumbulance to Lourdes in the early 1980s. She joined the Board in June 2022 and became Chair in May 2023.
Finance Trustee
Eleanor is a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and a Director of Magic Words Therapy Ltd. She has 15 years' experience in managing large teams, and overseeing the clinical, financial and operational aspects of an independent organisation. Eleanor joined the board in September 2023.
Marketing Trustee
Frankie is a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and a Director of Magic Words Therapy Ltd. She brings experience of sales and marketing strategy to the Jumbulance Board as well as a passion for creating positive and inclusive organisational culture. Frankie joined the board in September 2023.
Operations Trustee
Glen has been in bus and coach operations for nearly forty years and is currently responsible for managing a local authority-owned minibus company providing home to school SEND transport, Dial-a-ride, and social care transport. Glen joined the board in November 2023.
Travel Trustee
Neil owns award-winning travel agency Avocet Travel Management and brings a wealth of travel knowledge to the Jumbulance Trust. Neil joined the board in April 2024.
Health and Social Care Trustee
CEO of Abbots Care, Camille brings extensive experience in the homecare sector to the board.
Experience Trustee
Sarah has joined many Jumbulance trips and brings her valuable insight to the board, helping make future trips even better for our passengers.
Trustee
Jumbulance Trust currently has vacancies for trustees on its Board. We are particularly interested in persons with lived experience of disability and persons with skills and experience in Business Development, Volunteering or Fundraising. If you would like more information, please contact info@jumbulance.org.uk.
Our team
A dedicated staff team and volunteers. Press play to watch a short video where available, or read each person's story below.
General Manager
James oversees the everyday running of the Trust with over 15 years of experience in non-profit environments, both in the UK and overseas, along with recent experience in the transport sector.
Transport Manager
As an NHS manager working in digital services, Steve brings experience of service development and organisational change to the role, as well as the insight of being a regular Relief Driver for Jumbulance Trust over the last 15 years. He served as a Trustee from June 2022 to May 2023 and has been Transport Manager since November 2022.
Senior Driver
John has many years of driving with the original Across Jumbulances and with the Jumbulance Trust. John left the Trust in September 2022 and we are delighted that he has now rejoined us as our Senior Driver.
Senior Administrator
Billie has a background in office management and 8 years' experience in the health and social care sector. The opportunity to work for the Jumbulance Trust combines her organisational skills with her passion for creating meaningful experiences for all. Billie joined the team full-time in November 2023.
Volunteer Co-ordinator
Sarah brings over 10 years of experience in volunteering and community engagement. She is passionate about helping people thrive through volunteering, creating positive experiences, and ensuring that everyone feels valued and connected.
Travel with us, volunteer or support our work. We would love to hear from you.
Get in touch
Chat with Sarah using the button in the corner, or send us a message below.
