Shopmobility helps keep communities connected- Kimmins
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has paid tribute to the staff and the Board of Shopmobility Mid Ulster for helping to keep local communities connected.
Minister was speaking as she visited the Shopmobility Mid Ulster branch in Dungannon today which offers mobility equipment for loan to individuals who have reduced mobility in the Dungannon, Cookstown and Magherafelt areas.
Commenting after the visit Minister Kimmins said:
“I am aware of the impact that the loan of mobility equipment can have on an individual’s ability to remain connected and independent within their community. I also recognise that the impact of Shopmobility’s work is not limited to just those who book and use equipment but is also appreciated by their friends and family.
“Shopmobility Mid Ulster facilitated almost 20,000 loans of mobility aids across their three sites in 2024/25 and I was pleased to be able to offer additional funding for this financial year which will not only permit this valuable service to continue, but also help them deal with an increased demand for vital new services.
“Without these services, which can also include help and advice, 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.
“I look forward to continuing to engage with the Shopmobility network so they can continue to support the wider work of my Department and deliver services for those who need it most.”
Chair of Shopmobility Mid Ulster Wilbert Mayne MBE said:
“We are extremely grateful to Minister Kimmins and the Department for Infrastructure for recognising the vital role Shopmobility plays in helping older people and those with disabilities live independently and stay connected to their communities.
“This funding is a lifeline – it allows us to continue providing essential mobility support across Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt. We look forward to working with the Minister and the Department to build a more inclusive and accessible society.”
Notes to editors:
- Caption Minister Kimmins is pictured at Shopmobility Mid Ulster premised in Dungannon with Ursula Marshall (Vice Chair) and Wilbert Mayne MBE (Chair)
- 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 ther Department.
- Shopmobility Mid Ulster administers three schemes, located in Cookstown, Dungannon and, from February 2024, Magherafelt.
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