Re-Opening of Schemes
Over the last year Covid19 has been a dominant aspect of everyone’s life. It continues to be, but thankfully with vaccines becoming available and infection rates dropping, the world is slowly beginning to open up.
Shopmobility NI and the schemes within the network have always tried to follow the advice given by government and our priority has always been the health and safety of those we are responsible for; be that staff, volunteers or users of the services we provide. Shopmobility NI took a cautious approach in 2020 and whilst it was difficult for so many, we are grateful that our members were understanding in the stance we took to keep schemes closed and try to ride it out.
Now though, the advice and the restrictions are relaxing and we are ready and willing to follow that advice. The week following the Mayday Bank Holiday (w/c 4th May) has begun the process of opening up schemes and welcoming you back, with the hope that you too will begin to get back out and about.
Schemes will be opening up on their individual timetables with some opening immediately and others following suit over the following weeks. Check the Shopmobility NI Facebook page as well as the pages of the scheme you want to use, for details of opening times and how to book appointments. All schemes will be running an appointment-only service initially, so please follow the guidance each scheme gives for contacting them and availability of equipment.
We are hopeful too, that new-member training will begin to recommence in June, provided all goes well. Again, check each scheme’s advice via their Facebook pages.
Contact details for all schemes are available via the ‘schemes’ link at the top of this page.
We look forward to seeing you soon
Shopmobility is a Service for Everyone
Shopmobility is a service for everyone who feels they need a little extra help getting around. Be that at home, in town, even on holiday!
There are currently 13 Shopmobility schemes throughout the province, each of which is a separate charity set up by, and for, the people in the local area. Each is run by its own group of people with a committee, staff and volunteers with the simple aim of helping those people who find it hard to get around. Whether it's short-term, due to surgery or an injury; or if you have a long-term disability, they will talk to you to understand your needs, train you if necessary and be there to help in any way they can.
Shopmobility schemes can provide manual wheelchairs, electric scooters, electric wheelchairs plus some provide rollators and walking sticks. Contact the scheme you want to visit and ask them about their services (Just click on the scheme above to go to their information). Some provide long-term hiring facilities to allow you to take the equipment away with you, but there may be a small charge for this.
Whatever your questions or queries, Shopmobility schemes in Northern Ireland are here to help you.
You can also contact us at Shopmobility Northern Ireland (SNI) for general information about the network as a whole. Or perhaps your town doesn't have a scheme and you want to know how to set one up! Or you're interested in volunteering and are curious about what roles are available within a scheme.
Either way, we are looking forward to hearing from you.