Shopmobility information day held at Ballyclare Community Concerns

The aim of the information day - which is being rolled out in rural areas across Northern Ireland over coming months - is to help people who are living with disabilities or limited mobility and find it difficult to carry-out their daily routine.

Tuesday’s event took place at Ballyclare Community Concerns Group on Doagh Road and was tailored to:

• help people living with a disability and limited mobility access local services such as the doctors’ or post office;

• provide a professional information service regarding mobility, disability issues, local transport and Shopmobility services;

• give people in rural areas the chance to obtain a scooter driving licence and Shopmobility membership;

• offer an opportunity to become a volunteer, learn new skills and meet new people;

• give people living with a disability and limited mobility increased confidence and independence.

Information was available on Shopmobility Services and how to access them, as membership of Shopmobility services is free.

There were also guest speakers from partnership organisations, such as Translink, IMTAC and the Community Transport Association on hand to answer any questions regarding local transport links, including the ‘meet and greet’ service at Belfast’s two main bus/train stations.

Motorised scooters were provided on the day for people to try out and those who were interested were also able to find out about training to become a member of Shopmobility and how to obtain a scooter driving licence.

This project was supported by DARD’s Rural Challenge Programme and Shopmobility Belfast.