Stratford Shopmobility is a charity. Lots of people see the sign at the Bridgeway car park without realising it's there to help them enjoy the town. It gets a little funding from the council, but it survives on donations of money and equipment, and it needs your help to keep going.
Who Shopmobility helps
Anyone with limited mobility who wants to enjoy Stratford: people with breathing difficulties, walking problems or general bad health, and people who just get tired walking round town. Visitors hire scooters, wheelchairs and walkers to go shopping, see the sights, get to the Maybird Shopping Centre or get to hospital appointments.
Day hire is by donation. "Give what you can afford," says Mike, who runs Shopmobility and chairs the charity. "And if you can't afford anything that day, please don't be put off. The service is for everyone, whatever their income. It gets you out and about, and that's good for your mental health too."
In the Shopmobility awards this year, Stratford Shopmobility was Highly Recommended.
Why we need your help
"We want the service to carry on for as long as possible, and that's only possible with people's help," says Mike. Shopmobility is busier than ever. That's great news, but our scooters are getting tired from heavy use and need regular repairs. It's only affordable to have one paid person on duty, and on busy days we need more than one pair of hands.
"We need all the help we can get to keep the service alive and running."
Ways you can help
- Donate money. One-off or regular gifts help pay for repairs, batteries and new equipment. Donate to Stratford Shopmobility.
- Leave a gift in your will. A gift to The Friends of Stratford Shopmobility helps keep the service running for people who come after you.
- Donate equipment. Got a mobility scooter, wheelchair or walker you no longer use? We'd love to give it a second life. Call us on 01789 339 736.
- Volunteer. Help on busy days, meet visitors and help people get out on their first scooter. Call in or ring us to find out more.
- Join our trustees. The Friends of Stratford Shopmobility holds its AGM on the first Thursday in November at Stratford Shopmobility. If you'd like to join the board, get in touch.
- Funding and sponsorship. If your business or group could support us, we'd love to talk.
Mike's message
"We are here to help, here to support and here to encourage, to make sure you have the best time possible and have a giggle and a laugh with family and friends, enjoying our town and the surrounding areas."
Frequently asked questions
Is Stratford Shopmobility a charity?
Yes. It's run with the support of The Friends of Stratford Shopmobility.
Can I donate an old mobility scooter?
Yes, please. Call 01789 339 736 and we'll talk about collecting it.
Do I have to pay to hire?
Day hire is by donation. Give what you can, and if you can't give anything that day, you're still welcome.
How can I volunteer?
Call us on 01789 339 736 or come and see us on Level 2 of the Bridgeway car park.
