Mobility service offered at Wolverhampton leisure centre
People who need to borrow a wheelchair can now take one from a Wolverhampton leisure centre, thanks to a new partnership.
Residents needing a wheelchair had to travel to Telford to take out the piece of equipment, but now they can pick it up from WV Active-Aldersley.
It comes after the British Red Cross and Wolverhampton Council teamed up to offer the short-term service by creating a mobility aids distribution point.
It is aimed at adults and children aged five and over who require a wheelchair – either because they are recovering from an injury, illness or operation, or are awaiting something long-term.
Two types of the equipment are available – either self-propelled or transit chairs, which are pushed by someone else – with British Red Cross staff showing people how to use them.
Lorraine Ellis-Williams, hub operations manager for the charity's mobility aids service, said: "We believe that everyone should have access to the equipment they need, when they need it, and we are delighted that our service has commenced operating from WV Active-Aldersley in response to increasing demand in the area.
"We would like to thank Wolverhampton Council for helping us to set up a distribution point in the city and we look forward to providing vital help and support to local residents."
The service is available every Monday from 10am to 1pm, with people being able to collect and return their equipment.
Councillor Linda Leach, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for adult services, said: "This is a vital service and we are very pleased to have been able to work with the British Red Cross to bring it to Wolverhampton.
“Until recently, the nearest equipment distribution point to Wolverhampton was in Telford, but now thanks to this partnership people can collect and return wheelchairs at WV Active-Aldersley."
People can book online at www.redcross.org.uk/wheelchair or by calling 0300 456 1914 and selecting Option 7 when prompted.
