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Our History
How Shopmobility Began
The first idea for a Shopmobility scheme came from three men who were active in Peterborough Disabled Drivers Club. They were strong campaigners trying to improve conditions for other disabled people.When the trio heard about a proposed large pedestrianised shopping development for Peterborough City Centre they realised that this would become a “no-go” area for all with mobility difficulties unless some form of wheelchair transport was made available on site.
At the same time in Milton Keynes planners were also trying to find their way around a similar problem.
So, when Milton Keynes Shopping Centre opened, (18 months before Peterborough), a free wheelchair loan service was incorporated which operated from its Information Centre. This was the first Shopmobility service.
Shopmobility is a response to the changing environment. The success of Milton Keynes and Peterborough encouraged other towns to open similar schemes. Thus giving independence, dignity and freedom to all with a limited mobility.
History of Sutton Shopmobility
In 1989 the Mayor of Sutton chose his charity to be ‘the development of a Shopmobility scheme'. Sutton is a forward thinking borough and supports the needs of disabled people. But although the council felt that Shopmobility was a good idea and were supportive, could not provide the funds to run it. A steering committee was formed which included members from Sutton Council, local disability groups and voluntary organisations such as the Sutton Centre for Voluntary Service.Initially it was planned to open the scheme three days per week, to see what the take up would be ‑ running costs were estimated at £10,000 per annum. This would cover wages, office and administration costs, and stationary such as membership forms, membership cards, leaflets, posters and insurance.
Until Sutton Shopmobility gained charitable status, Disability Action Sutton and then Sutton Centre for Voluntary Services administered it ‑ both are local charities. The London Borough of Sutton and British Telecom jointly funded the original operating costs of £10,000.
The capital costs for chairs and equipment was met from the Mayors fund, and other local businesses, groups etc. This accumulated to £20,000 from which was purchased 3 scooters, 3 electric wheelchairs and 6 manual wheelchairs. This came to a total of £12,615 ‑ the balance of the money £7,385 was set aside for future purchase of vehicles and for maintenance.
The scheme was offered premises free of charge by the local authority, located in a car park fairly close to the town centre. Sutton Shopmobility opened in July 1990 at a cost of £22,500.
Although the premises were free they were not in an ideal location. This was because the car park was difficult to find, and there were two roads to cross before reaching Sutton Town Centre.
In October 1991 negotiations began with Norwich Union who were building a new shopping centre in the High Street. In May 1992 they offered to build new premises in the car park of the new centre.
This was an ideal location, as the scheme would be ideally situated by the link bridge to the St Nicolas Centre which meant direct and easy access to the High Street, ten disabled parking bays were also included.
In October 1992 Sutton Shopmobility moved to its new premises, taking with it 152 members. Due to the increased profile scheme membership began to rise almost immediately.
Past Events
"Christmas Fancy Dress outside Boots in Sutton where several volunteers participated on Saturday 26th November and we managed to raise £954.37" [click image for larger version]
"Gift Wrapping Service in St Nicholas Centre from Thursday 1st December until Friday 23rd December and we managed to raise £2,157.69" We would also like to offer our thanks to Reed Business Information PLC, Sutton & Cheam Roundtable and all the volunteers that came along and gave their time to help with the gift wrapping. [click image for larger version]
"Ted Gates MBE, Chairman of Sutton Shopmobility says a few words" [click image for larger version]
"Paralympic athlete David Weir, Rt. Hon Charles Kennedy, Paul Burstow MP and Tom Brake MP mark the occasion by cutting a giant Birthday Cake" [click image for larger version]
"The Mayor Cllr. Tony Brett-Young supports the celebrations" [click image for larger version]
"Members enjoy tea and Birthday cake" [click image for larger version]
BOOTS PHOTO - Volunteers dressed up to help raise money for the scheme, in total a sum of £1,253 was raised. Thank you to Boots the Chemist for providing the location.
CHOIR - Manor Park Primary School Choir sang Carols in the St. Nicholas Centre to help raise money for Tadworth Court Childrens Trust and Sutton Shopmobility. £72.00 was raised and split between the charities.
WRAPPING SERVICE - Sutton Shopmobility provided a gift wrapping service for shoppers during the Christmas period at St Nicholas Shopping Centre and proved to be a big hit with shoppers. A staggering £1,241.00 was raised over a two week period.
Shoppers were able to have their Christmas gifts wrapped for a minimum donation of 50p per item. The service was manned by volunteers from Shopmobility and the wrapping paper was donated by Athena.
AWARD-
Sutton Shopmobility received from Lord Tope a 'Positive about disabled people' symbol. It is awarded from the Jobcentre Plus and means that Shopmobility will commit to employing disabled people and follow 5 set guidelines. The scheme was supported in acheiving this bu the SESAME Project, part
of SCILL Employment project. For more information you can visit www.scill.org
NEW EXTENSION-
After weeks of building work and disruption, Sutton Shopmobility finally has its new extended premises! The scheme would like to thank the St. Nicholas Centre for the temporary accommodation enabling the service to continue and its members and volunteers for their support throughout the moves.
Over £750 was raised through our 'Be a brick, buy a brick' scheme, thank you to everyone who contributed, feel free to call in, say hello and have a look at our new reception area! [click image for larger version]
"Sutton Shopmobility wins Sutton's Special Service 2004 for best performance of the Store Telephone Inquiry" [click image for larger version]