Driving Mobility PWMS training scheme receives positive reaction from mobility retailers
Driving Mobility’s training scheme has been receiving a positive reaction from responsible powered wheelchair and mobility scooter retailers nationwide.
With support from the Department for Transport (DfT), Driving Mobility is successfully providing its free training scheme for powered wheelchair and mobility scooter (PWMS) retailers and hirers which aims to improve road safety for all.
The voluntary PWMS Retailer Training Scheme aims to improve road safety through an approved and consistent way of providing client assessments, to ensure people with mobility difficulties are able to obtain the most appropriate mobility scooters or powerchairs.
The scheme is operated by Driving Mobility, a charity which accredits a network of over 16 ‘fitness to drive’ and mobility equipment assessment centres across the UK. Many with outreach facilities, these centres include independent charities and NHS departments which provide clinical guidance, advice and training so disabled and elderly people can gain or retain independence.
With the use of powered mobility equipment increasing in the UK, Driving Mobility ensures products are matched more effectively with customer needs. With this first ever DfT-supported training programme led by clinicians from Driving Mobility, retailers can combine new skills with their own product expertise, so consumers are able to drive more safely on well-suited products.
The free training consists of online modules and a practical session at one of the designated Driving Mobility centres across the UK.
Working in partnership
Through the training scheme, retailers and Driving Mobility centres are working closer together and building stronger relationships. This means when retailers have clients who would benefit from a more in-depth clinical assessment, they can be referred to a Driving Mobility Centre and then return to the retailer to purchase the best suited equipment.
Hosted by Driving Mobility, the scheme was launched in the summer of 2023 at a House of Lords reception. The reception was attended by leading representatives within the mobility equipment retail sector, assessment centre managers, representatives from ShopMobility UK and figures in the public eye including Baroness Tanni Grey-Thomson; Margot Shatz, Department for Transport; and Raymond Hodgkinson MBE.
Since the launch there have been several well-attended training events held at Driving Mobility centres around the country. These have included Cornwall Mobility, Truro; RDAC, Solihull; East Anglian DriveAbility (EAD), Norfolk; and QEF Mobility Services, Carshalton. More dates are continually being added to the 2024 programme.
Retailer feedback
At last October’s training session hosted by RDAC Solihull, retailers gained valuable insight including Sarah Caton, Director of Cowper’s Mobility Centre. Sarah said: “The PWMS Retailer Training Course was not only interesting, informative and a good opportunity to network with like-minded retailers, it was also pleasing to see that the course content backed up everything we, as a responsible mobility company, strive to achieve.”
Stacey Showering, Managing Director, Care Plus Mobility, reiterated Sarah’s comments by saying: “Great course and a real privilege to network with like-minded, committed professionals. The outcome of me applying the course content to my clients will enhance their skills, fostering safety, confidence and hopefully a more enriched active lifestyle.”
And Mary Eardley of Harris and Gray Ltd., added: “As the only online retailer at the event, I would like to thank the Driving Mobility team and the other retailers, for making me feel so welcome, and for sharing their experiences and good advice. The training day has reinforced the importance of safety, particularly when selling remotely, and has positively impacted my practice.”
Retailers attending the subsequent PWMS training at East Anglian Driveability (EAD) were equally as impressed as Moddy Grazys, Mobility Aids Centre Peterborough, commented: “Having the simulation glasses helped me understand how different conditions can affect how you ride a mobility scooter. It was very helpful to know that even in the Peterborough area we can refer customers to EAD.”
Lisa Clarke and Linda Best of Felgains highlighted two key considerations they learnt: “The importance of getting clients to drive outside more during the assessment and how conditions such as a stroke can affect eyesight.” Overall, the course was described as “a real eye opener.”
Quality training
There are two modules which can be accessed via the online training platform Moodle. These two on-line modules can be undertaken at work, or from home, whichever is preferred. Following the successful completion of these online modules, participants are then invited to attend their nearest Driving Mobility centre for half-a-day. Attendees undertake desk-based sessions and hands-on product training which aim to promote customer assessment good practice.
Retailers and hirers who complete the course receive a certificate and eye-catching window sticker. These provide a clear indication that the business has completed training that is officially accredited by Driving Mobility and the Department for Transport. Their customers are then given confidence they are purchasing mobility scooters or powerchairs from a reputable retailer who has received clinically led training for better assessment of their needs.
Sustainable safety
he retailer training aims to improve road safety for all – mobility scooter and powerchair users, pedestrians and vehicle drivers. The programme is supported by the Government which works in conjunction with Driving Mobility on many aspects of personal mobility and independence.
In summary Richard Holden MP, Roads and Accessibility Minister, said: “It’s really important that we improve road safety for everyone, including owners of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. This scheme, supported by Government, will help to ensure that people with restricted mobility can get around independently and confidently by training users, and I’m pleased to support it through our funding.”
Edward Trewhella, Driving Mobility CEO, concludes: “Alongside the Department for Transport, we are aware that the way people are travelling is changing, especially with increased ownership of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs. Hence our training scheme for retailers is timely and promises to enhance road safety for all, through more suitable mobility vehicle provision and greater awareness of the Highway Code.”
The PWMS Retailer Training Scheme is free and can be booked here.
Places for the Driving Mobility training scheme are currently available at the following locations:
- 20th March 2024 -East Anglian DriveAbility, 2 Napier Place,
Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 3RL - 21st March 2024 -Herts Ability, Suite 4, Wentworth Lodge, Great North Road,
Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 7SR - 24th April 2024 – North East Drive Mobility, Walkergate Park Hospital,
Benfield Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4QD.
