National Federation Of Shopmobility

The concept of Shopmobility originated in the 1970′s with the first scheme opening in Milton Keynes in 1979. There are now over 350 schemes nationwide with the majority being self-funding and run as a registered charity, supported by the local authority or a commercial organisation such as the shopping centre.

The National Federation of Shopmobility (NFSUK) was founded in 1990 with the aim of encouraging the development of a Shopmobility network throughout the United Kingdom. NFSUK is a member organisation that supports existing Shopmobility schemes and helps new schemes to set up. To find out more about the National Federation Of Shopmobility visit www.shopmobilityuk.org

Staines Shopmobility

The need for a Shopmobility scheme in Staines was highlighted in a 1993 study of accessible transport that was commissioned by the Spelthorne Committee for Access Now (SCAN). The study concluded that people with limited mobility were unable to take advantage of shopping facilities and other services in Staines town centre.

Staines Shopmobility was set up to alleviate this need and to support the welfare and independence of disabled people. A steering committee was formed and Staines Shopmobility was formally opened as an independent registered charity in 1998. This was achieved with the support of Spelthorne Borough Council, West Surrey Health Authority and the owners of the Two Rivers development.

The scheme is dedicated to ensuring that users of the service are not excluded from accessing the full range of facilities available in the town. The service aims to provide equality of access; allow disabled people greater independence and freedom in their daily lives; assist with the prevention of loneliness and isolation and enable regular contact with the community. In addition the service provides benefit to carers to assist them in their caring role.

Staines Shopmobility supports many of the issues identified by the Local Strategic Partnership, the PCT Public Health agenda and the White Paper “Our Health, Our Care, Our Say”. These include:

• Disabled people are assisted to participate independently in shopping, leisure and other activities in Staines.
• Improving transport for older people and those with mobility problems.
• Promoting an environment that is healthy, safe and inclusive.
• Improving respite for parent / carers.
• Enabling access to social and recreational facilities for disabled people.
• Providing outdoor aids for people with restricted mobility.
• Reducing isolation and loneliness, a contributing factor to ill health.
• Enabling independence, well-being and choice.
• Promoting equality and diversity.
• Providing an information point and exchanging information on other services and facilities relevant to users of the service.
• The scheme links with Spelride and Dial-A-Ride, the local accessible transport services for disabled people.

Staines Shopmobility is committed to supporting people’s equality of opportunity in line with the Disability Discrimination Act.