14 June 2005
FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR UMBRELLA GROUP FOR SHOPMOBILITY
The Department for Regional Development has announced funding for a new umbrella group for schemes which assist shoppers with mobility problems. Confirming the funding for Shopmobility NI, Regional Development Minister Shaun Woodward said it would encourage and support the ten existing Shopmobility schemes and help efforts to establish additional schemes in areas not already covered. The schemes provide manual and powered wheelchairs and powered scooters to members of the public who have limited mobility to shop and use leisure and commercial facilities.
NOTES TO EDITORS:Shaun Woodward said: “Over the last ten years, Shopmobility schemes have improved the quality of life for hundreds if not thousands of people with restricted mobility, by helping them carry out everyday tasks which most of us take for granted.
“The funding the Department is making available will provide a forum for those schemes which already exist, from Belfast to Newry and from Omagh to Carrickfergus, to share information, exchange news and views and arrange training.
“It will also help encourage the development of the Shopmobility network into parts of Northern Ireland where schemes do not already operate. I congratulate all those involved in the schemes on their work and wish them continued success through Shopmobility NI.”
The official launch of Shopmobility NI took place at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast, on 14 June where representatives from the various schemes were presented with certificates by Olivia Nash, Ma from “Give My Head Peace”. Ann Collins, Chair of Shopmobility NI, said: "This is a great step forward for the Shopmobility network in Northern Ireland. Over ten years, we have grown from small beginnings to a strong base of ten schemes. Now with help from the Department for Regional Development (DRD), we will be encouraging and assisting further schemes to operate in other areas of the Province.”
Shopmobility NI has been provided with financial support through the DRD’s Transport Programme for People with Disabilities (TPPD). The group is made up of representatives from the ten current Shopmobility schemes in Northern Ireland – Ards, Ballymena, Bangor, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Foyle, Lisburn, Magherafelt, Newry and Omagh.
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, Tel (028) 9054 0007.
- The Transport Programme for People with Disabilities has been in existence since 1991 and has complemented and augmented improvements generally to the accessibility of public and community transport.
- The Programme has evolved over the years in developing a range of specialised transport operations, aimed mainly at people with disabilities who are not able or find it difficult to access mainstream public transport.
- Shopmobility NI has been granted funding for the first three years of its operation by the DRD. Expenditure in year one is expected to total in the region of £15k.
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