Lots of people walk past the Shopmobility sign at the Bridgeway car park and think, "That's not for me. I can still walk." Dhougal can still walk too. He uses Stratford Shopmobility regularly, and in this short video he explains why.
"I can still walk, but I can't walk in and out of town four times a day any more. I'm a carer for my dad, who's in his nineties, and so I have many demands, which I won't list, which take me in and out of town, and I can't do it on my legs any more. They just refuse to go on with that.
So what I do is I walk into Shopmobility from where I live. It's a short walk. It's not completely trivial for me, it's a walk. So I walk into Shopmobility, and then I'm able to take out a mobility scooter and do my shopping, or get medical supplies for my dad, or get prescriptions, either for my dad or for myself."
Dhougal, Stratford Shopmobility customer
Yes, you can use Shopmobility if you can still walk
You don't need a wheelchair, a diagnosis or a Blue Badge to hire a scooter from us. Stratford Shopmobility is for anyone with limited mobility who wants to get round town and enjoy it. That includes people who:
- can walk a short way, but not to and from town, or round the shops all day
- get out of breath walking, or are in generally poor health
- are getting over an operation or an injury
- care for someone else and need to fit several trips into one day, like Dhougal
- are visiting Stratford and want to see it without wearing themselves out
Dhougal saves his legs for the short walk to us, and the scooter does the rest.
"I'm not ready for a scooter yet"
We hear this a lot. Some people feel they're not old enough, or that using a scooter means giving in. Often the people who were most unsure come back with a big grin, saying it's the best time they've had in ages. Using a scooter for the long stretches doesn't mean you've stopped walking. It means you've still got some energy left for the things you went into town to do.
Would Dhougal recommend it?
"It's a unique service in Stratford. I don't know of anything else like it. So if you do have trouble getting about on your legs, it really is indispensable, really. I would recommend that people try it."
Dhougal
How to hire a scooter
Day hire is by donation, so give what you can afford. If you can't afford anything that day, please don't let that put you off. Please book ahead on 01789 339 736 or with our day hire form, because in quieter times we may not open if nothing is booked. We're on Level 2 of the Bridgeway Multi Storey Car Park. See prices, opening times and how to book, and what your first hire is like.
Read Dhougal's full story: how Stratford Shopmobility helps a busy carer get round town.
Help keep Stratford Shopmobility running. Stratford Shopmobility is a charity, The Friends of Stratford Shopmobility. It gets a little council support but relies on donations to keep our scooters on the road. Donate by card in a few seconds:
£5 £10 £25 £50 £100 Other amount
Card payments are processed by Stripe and go straight to The Friends of Stratford Shopmobility (registered charity 1163072). You can also donate an unused scooter or wheelchair, or find out other ways to help, including gifts in wills and volunteering.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a scooter if I can still walk?
Yes. Many of our customers can walk a short way but not all day. Shopmobility is for anyone with limited mobility.
Do I need a Blue Badge?
No. Anyone with a mobility need can hire.
How much does it cost?
Day hire is by donation. Give what you can afford.
