Shopmobility Omagh

Public benefits

Shopmobility Omagh meets the public benefit requirement detailed in the Charities Act under the relief of those in need. The main benefit of our service is that it enhances the independence of our service users, increasing their ability to integrate into the community and take part in activities that others take for granted. Shopmobility Omagh

aims to provide equipment and advisory services that help those who are socially excluded through restricted mobility to re-integrate back into the community. By providing equipment designed to aid mobility, users are able to access shops, leisure and commercial facilities they otherwise would not be able to avail of. The provision of mobility equipment and advisory/signposting that Shopmobility Omagh offers, provide comfort to those who are sick or convalescent. In many cases the provision of equipment has been life changing. Shopmobility Omagh assists people with mobility difficulties to help make Omagh and surrounding areas more accessible. It promotes social inclusion by providing a means for those with mobility restrictions to access social, cultural and commercial facilities in the area. The scheme actively promotes volunteering, by providing to users, a volunteer befriending guide to assist users around shops and local facilities. The scheme is actively promoting equality to all by providing a means for those people with mobility restrictions to access facilities that others take for granted such as shopping, visiting friends or attending medical appointments. The scheme promotes the human rights of those who have mobility difficulties to be able to access these services whilst also encouraging freedom of movement and independence throughout the area. Although Shopmobility services are open to anyone of all ages, it is noted that over 70% of the users are aged 60 years plus. With an aging population there is inevitably going to be more mobility related issues and Shopmobility Omagh works to address these. The specialist care provided allows older and disabled equality of opportunity by the provision of specialist equipment and advice to aid their mobility. The service also provides respite for carers and helps to alleviate the often heavy burden on families and friends. The service is free to join and free to use, allowing members greater freedom to become regular visitors to local facilities. It is also a great add-on to the district of Omagh helping to attract visitors from outside the area. The demand for the service in Omagh can be demonstrated by the collection of statistics from usage. These continue to grow and with an ever aging population, anticipate that demand will rise in the future. The Main Beneficiaries are: • Those with mobility issues within our community. • The care givers and family members that have their independence when those with mobility issues can have a break from the constant support they give. • Those persons in our society that could not otherwise be able to use the service for monetary reasons. • Many users have undergone recent operations in hospital, chemotherapy, sickness such as MS or Muscular deteriorating illnesses Harm or Potential to Harm All users/members are assessed as individuals by trained staff on their ability to participate in the scheme offered and we see no harm or potential for harm flowing from this purpose. Private Benefit There is no private benefit.

What your organisation does

Shopmobility Omagh provides a free daily service which offers mobility equipment such as electric scooters and manual wheelchairs (including Bariatric and Paediatric) to assist people who have difficulty getting around.