Minister Kimmins visits Mobility Lisburn
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has paid tribute to the work of Mobility Lisburn during a visit to their premises at Market Square.
The Mobility Lisburn service is available seven days a week and has three units across the city at Bow Street Mall, Sprucefield Shopping Centre and The Hub on Market Square which offers mobility equipment for loan to individuals who have reduced mobility.
Minister Kimmins was given a tour of the Hub facilities and met with board members and volunteers.
Commenting after the visit Minister Kimmins said:
“Mobility Lisburn provides a valuable service for those individuals who rely on mobility equipment to maintain their independence and to connect with family and friends in their community and to access goods and services. Those families, friends and carers also feel the impact when someone is supported to remain active, engaged and less isolated. That wider community value really matters.
“Last year I was pleased to be able to increase Mobility Lisburn’s funding from £13K in 2024/25 to £50K in 2025/26 reflecting my decision to prioritise full funding of the community transport sector. This funding increase has allowed Mobility Lisburn to make significant enhancements to their operations with the establishment of this new mobility hub which has also turned a derelict building into a valuable community asset.
“Through the dedication of the members and volunteers the service goes from strength to strength and last year facilitated over 2,250 loans of mobility aids across its three sites.
“Without these services vulnerable groups in our communities would find it difficult to access goods and services and to connect with friends and family.
“’Including People’ is one of my Department’s seven ‘Foundations for a Better Future’ and working with Shopmobility, amongst others, represents our commitment to improving the inclusiveness of our society and putting people at the heart of everything we do.”
Chair of Mobility Lisburn Tim Honeyford said:
"As Chair of Mobility Lisburn and a founding member 25 years ago, I am proud of the charity’s continued growth and the vital services it provides to people with physical disabilities in our community. It is encouraging to see increased recognition of the important role we play in supporting independence and inclusion.
"I extend my sincere thanks to Minister Kimmins for her decision in last year’s budget to increase funding, which has enabled us to progress our objectives, including working in partnership with other organisations to develop a shared community space for our service users and their family, friends and carers.
“I also wish to acknowledge the dedication and vision of our manager, Chanel McKinstry, whose leadership continues to drive the organisation forward."
Notes to editors:
- Shopmobility schemes offer mobility equipment for loan to individuals who have reduced mobility. These loans can be short-term (e.g. daily hire of a scooter or rollator for use in town centre), medium-term (e.g. wheelchair hire to aid recovery from illness or operation), or longer-term (e.g. mobility aids for people with long-term disabilities).
- There are currently 13 Shopmobility schemes that receive grant funding from the Department.
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