Shopmobility

What is Shopmobility?

Shopmobility is a rapidly growing network of locally based wheelchair and scooter loan centres. It provides a service for people who have permanent or temporary mobility difficulties. It can be used for shopping trips as well as business and leisure visits to town centres. Shopmobility facilities are available not only to the permanently disabled but also to those whose mobility is restricted by age, accident or illness, whether temporary or for a long period.

Vodafone are now funding Monday opening for Newbury Shopmobility. From left: Mr. and Mrs. Lee, Graham Scutter (Newbury Shopmobility Manager), Garry Poulson (Director of Volunteer Centre West Berkshire), and Patricia Hicks (Shopmobility Volunteer)

Although the idea of Shopmobility was hatched in Peterborough by three members of the Peterborough Disabled Drivers' Club, the first Shopmobility scheme was opened in Milton Keynes in 1979. By 1993 there were 75 schemes operating, and at the end of 1994 there were over 100. Soon after this the Newbury scheme was in place, and the latest figures show that there are now over 250 schemes in the United Kingdom. If you are going on holiday or on a day trip, why not call in to see what information is available about other centres?

Newbury Shopmobility is a member of the National Federation of Shopmobility. This is an independent registered charity, which aims to achieve equal access and independence of disabled people by encouraging Shopmobilities to form throughout the UK and supporting existing Shopmobility schemes.

Mrs. Edna Mackie, Newbury Shopmobility's 1,000th customer, and Mrs. Freda Legge, the first person to register when the initiative was set up in 1995.

The scheme is funded in part by West Berkshire council and is run by Volunteer Centre West Berkshire, but also relies on donations from generous patrons and people who use the scheme.

What facilities do you have?

Newbury Shopmobility has 15 manual wheelchairs, 3 powered wheelchairs and 16 electric scooters available. An escort can be provided if you require, but we need notice for this. There is parking for orange and blue disabled badge holders, and a wheelchair accessible toilet is available.

Angela Neal, who has helped Shopmobility on Friday afternoons for seven years

How much will Shopmobility cost me?

For day use of one of the vehicles the service is free, but any donations are gratefully received.

It is possible to reserve one of the vehicles for use over a longer period, but we make a charge for this.

When and where is Shopmobility?

Newbury Shopmobility is open from Monday to Saturday between 9.30am and 4.00pm.

It is located on the ground floor of the Northbrook Street multi-storey car park. The car park can be accessed by car via West Street and Pembroke Road ...

... and on foot by using the alleyway between Dixons and Next in Northbrook Street which gives access into Bolton Place.

Can I park nearby?

There are a number of car parking spaces for holders of orange or blue disabled parking permits on the ground floor of the car park. Please remember, however, that Northbrook Street has now been pedestrianised between the hours of 10.00am and 6.00pm.

What if I don't have a car?

If you would like to use Shopmobility but have difficulty getting into town, you may be able to take advantage of the Handybus service that is operated by West Berkshire Volunteer Centre.

Do I need to book?

Although you can just drop in, it is preferable to book a wheelchair or scooter in advance in order to avoid disappointment and a wasted trip.

If you would like an escort, please give us at least 3 - 4 days prior notice so that arrangements can be made.

Before you use the service for the first time you will need to register. This is a one-off occurrence, and on subsequent visits you can make use of the service by quoting your name and register number (if you know it). You will need to show some form of identification when registering - orange or blue disabled badge, driving licence, passport, or some similar official document.

If you would like to make a booking, or just discuss what we have to offer, call the scheme coordinator Graham Scutter on 01635 523854, or just drop into our office on the ground floor of the Northbrook Street car park.