Shopmobility

0141 889 0441

LOVE PAISLEY FROM STARTING OUT AS A SMALL COMMUNITY GROUP ALMOST 30 YEARS AGO, PAISLEY SHOPMOBILITY AND DISTRICT HAS GROWN INTO A VITAL LIFELINE FOR MANY WHO WOULD OTHERWISE BE LEFT BEHIND.

“Our success is primarily due to the fact that we provide free or low cost mobility scooters and wheelchairs to

people in our local communities,” said Office Manager, Karen Miller. “We listen to our customers, many of whom live in abject poverty and we develop our services to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in our society. “Often we are described as a lifeline – being able to get out of your house or residential setting knowing you can hire quality equipment at no cost during the day, or low cost overnight has obvious health, wellbeing and social benefits.” With more than 450 customers using the service, Shopmobility and District enables Renfrewshire residents aged 16+ who experience permanent or temporary disabilities or mobility impairment to hire quality, safe equipment to help enhance life and health options as well as opening up opportunities - whether that be shopping, meeting friends or family, leisure, holidays, appointments or any other activities. As well as the provision of advice, guidance and support in a safe space, they offer general repairs and maintenance for scooters and wheelchairs – maintaining both their own equipment as well as equipment which is privately owned. During the COVID pandemic, the Shopmobility team didn’t hesitate to step up to the challenge, making regular calls to their service users to offer assistance. As a result, they diversified their service to meet needs and delivered prescriptions and shopping as well as providing a collection and delivery service of shopping and clothes for those staying at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. “COVID resulted in us being innovative in our approaches to service delivery,” added Karen. “ Sometimes it was just as simple as picking up the phone and speaking to someone who had no one else to speak to. “Anyone with a disability or mobility can become a member. There’s no cost to becoming a member. The benefit is that when you complete a membership form with ID, you will be able to access our mobility scooters and wheelchairs. “There’s no cost to hire equipment during the day – we are open 6 days per week - Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturday 10am – 3pm on the ground floor of the Paisley Centre Car Park. And if you wish to hire overnight then it will cost £1 for a wheelchair and £5 for a scooter. “Equipment can even be hired for holidays and can fit on trains, planes, cruise ships, taxis and cars, so you can go away safe in the knowledge you are able to get out and about safely. We will also provide you with a battery charger to take with you.” Shopmobility and District also welcome applications from those interested in advertised posts to become a trustee or a volunteer. “We also offer the provision of volunteering and paid workplace opportunities as well as training and development,” said Karen. “We simply could not operate our business without volunteers – all have very specific roles to match their expectations and expertise. Our Trustees and Directors are all volunteers as well as the 45 volunteers who help us on a daily basis to deliver our services to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. “These roles are varied and include Scooter Maintenance, Scooter Runners, Wheelchair Checkers, Customer Service, Equipment Cleaners, Administration, Survey Volunteers and many more. “Our Volunteers are treated with the utmost respect and receive expenses for lunch, travelling, as well as a branded uniform, and safety equipment. “They are also offered accredited training and non-accredited training to help volunteers and paid workers develop their journey to reach another positive destination. “Thank you to everyone who supports Shopmobility – we truly appreciate you and look forward to supporting you going forward. “We are happy to work in partnership – so please get in touch or book your equipment online www. shopmobilitypaisley.net .”