Isle of Wight Shopmobility has helped 100 people through their free training in the use of mobility scooters.
The milestone was marked by Councillor Julie Jones-Evans who spent time in Newport on Friday (3rd March) experiencing the challenges faced by mobility scooter users around town, in shops and accessing public transport.
Training is offered regularly free of charge to anyone with a permanent or temporary disability who want to maintain their independence. Training boosts confidence and ensures that scooter users have the skills to remain safe and not put others at risk.
Newport Parish Council has supported the charity for a number of years and Cllr Julie Jones-Evans experienced the benefits first-hand:
“What was most revealing about using the mobility scooter was the provision of networks of pavements, crossings and dropped curbs in town and how they need to be improved to allow access for all.
“The training itself was invaluable in giving me confidence to use a scooter and navigate in the town centre environment. Being low down on the scooter also has its challenges and you become ‘invisible’ to some people.
“I believe the service is crucial in allowing people to retain their independence and I would encourage more people to use and support it.”
Joy Heath, Chairman of Isle of Wight Shopmobility trustees highlighted the value to the community:
“We are very grateful to Newport Parish Council, and our team of volunteers, for their continued support. We are pleased to have been able to deliver training to one hundred people who are able to continue to shop and visit Newport independently.”
Isle of Wight Shopmobility is based in South Street, Newport and offers sessional and daily mobility scooter hire on Tuesdays and Fridays (10:00-16:00) plus Wednesdays and Thursday (10:30-15:00).
