‘Do not let mobility problems ruin your life’, Cumbrian folk told
30th April 2011
Hundreds of people with the most severe walking difficulties in Cumbria are being urged to speak up rather than suffer in silence this summer.
Cumbria Mobility Limited says many people – including ex-servicemen and women – feel trapped in their own homes this summer because of a lack of awareness about a scooter and powered wheelchair scheme available to them in Cumbria.
Cumbria Mobility helps those with serious walking problems lease a brand new powered wheelchair or scooter – using their higher rate mobility benefit.
The national Motability Scheme is a non-profit-making initiative set up to provide financial assistance to those who would not be able to afford to buy a wheelchair or scooter outright from their own pocket.
The Carlisle-based company travels around the county, helping disabled people in Penrith, Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport.
It is the only accredited independent dealer serving Cumbria but fears many people unfamiliar with the Carlisle area, do not realise it is a countywide business which exists to help them too.
Stephen Cornwell, who runs the company, fears that Cumbria has far more disabled people than are coming forward which means they are missing out or suffering in silence in their own homes.
Mr Cornwell has links with organisations such as Age Concern and ex-Forces personnel within the Royal Airforce Association and British Legion but says it is hard to reach groups across a large county such as Cumbria. He said: “The irony is that Cumbria and the Lakes are the walking capital of the country but there are hundreds of people living in Cumbria who can’t walk and are unable to venture outdoors because of their mobility problems.”
“The national Motability scheme s set up by the Government in 1978 and has continued ever since; however, not everyone realises we are here and can help.”
“If you have walking difficulties there is help available – all you have to do is get in touch with us and we can easily come out to see you. When someone has been stuck in their house and can’t get out, getting a scooter or powered wheelchair totally transforms their lives and wellbeing.
“My worry is that the people eligible for this scheme are among the most severely disabled in society – from those on the highest Disability Living Allowance to those on War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement.