Road safety event for mobility scooter users
The local NHS health and wellbeing team is joining forces with the Neighbourhood Police Team and mobility retailer Tate-Care Mobility Centre to hold a mobility scooter safety event.
The event will promote the safe and courteous use of mobility scooters and highlight common safety risks.
Taking place at Ferrybridge Community Centre on Wednesday 19th September starting at 10am, the event is free of charge and open to any existing mobility scooter users or anyone who is considering buying a mobility scooter.
There are around 330,000 users in theUKfor whom scooters provide a lifeline to the outside world giving them their freedom and independence. But staying safe on board is essential to get the most out of your mobility scooter.
At the event people will be able to get top tips on how to get the best from their scooter while keeping safe. Driving demonstrations will be provided by the Neighbourhood Police Team on the indoor scooter track with the chance to have a go afterwards. A free ‘Safe Scoot’ DVD introduced by Sheila Reid, who played Madge in ‘Benidorm’ and a ‘Safe Scoot’ Highway Code booklet will be available for any scooter user who safely negotiates the indoor track.
Information on choosing and looking after a scooter will be provided by Pontefract-based Tate Care Mobility Centre.
Age UK and Wakefield District Housing will also be handing out information.
Jackie Sharp, health and wellbeing development worker, “This is a fantastic opportunity for us all to work together to promote safe scooter use. Being unable to get safely out and about can have a major effect on health and wellbeing and using public transport or a taxi is not always possible or convenient. A mobility scooter if safely used can be the key to independence, especially if you’re just going to the local shops or anywhere that’s a little too far to walk. “
Acting Inspector Dan Tillett with Pontefract and Knottingley Neighbourhood Police Team, added, “Mobility scooters represent freedom to people with impaired movement, but it is important to understand the scooter and the responsibilities that come with its use. We are pleased to support this initiative and bring it to our communities, promoting safety and road awareness, to help reduce accidents.”
Places at the event are limited. To book your free place please contact Jackie Sharp, health and wellbeing development worker on 01977 705473 or e-mail: jacqueline.sharp@swyt.nhs.uk