A CHARITY based in Yate Shopping Centre is looking for more volunteers to help operate and promote it. 

Shopmobility South Gloucestershire, based in the Yate Shopping Centre, started in 2006, following a meeting three years earlier. 

It provides mobility scooter and wheelchair hire on a daily and on a longer term basis to help people who have limited mobility to retain their independence and to use the facilities of the centre and to access other services too.

The service which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and which helps users from all over South Gloucestershire and beyond, is now looking for more volunteers. 

Volunteer and trustee Linda Banister said: "It is an incredible service. 

"I survived bone cancer in 2020 and 2021 and had to lose a leg in the process.

"While recovering, a friend mentioned the Shopmobility service to me.

"She hired a scooter regularly for her mother in law when she came to visit. I visited Shopmobility and the lovely Sheridan Crew, he was kind and extremely helpful.

"He patiently showed me how to use the scooter, what to do and not to do, and how to dismantle it to go in the back of my friend's Mini. 

"It enabled me to go on my first holiday.

This is why I volunteer as a trustee for this brilliant service.

"The service, for all ages, is just not for the disabled.

"It can help people for a  short or longer time, who find it a struggle to walk around, for any reason at all.

"They may need temporary help due to an operation etc.

"We are always looking for supporters, volunteers, helpers, to keep this excellent service alive.

"All support is truly welcome and we are happy to work with volunteers on the days and hours they can volunteer."

Anyone who is interested in volunteering for Shopmobility should contact the scheme on 07999574474, or email -  shopmobilitysouthglos@yahoo.com