Mobility Scotland answers Baroness Vere’s call by extending mobility training to all
Mobility Scotland has responded to a recent call to action by Transport Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton by opening up its long-standing mobility training programme to all scooter and powerchair users, irrespective of where they purchased their device.
Earlier in the month, Charlotte Vere, Baroness Vere of Norbiton and Transport Minister for Roads and Security at the Department for Transport, told mobility retailers to prioritise customer safety in the midst of growing scooter accidents.
Urging retailers to take action by committing “to training at the point of sale,” Mobility Scotland says it has embraced the call to action by opening up the company’s comprehensive training to all.
The Glasgow-based, Motability-accredited retailer has gone from strength-to-strength since launching in 2006, expanding its product portfolio to offer a wide range of mobility aids.
According to the Scottish retailer, all of its customers currently receive an in-depth needs analysis prior to purchasing a mobility scooter or powerchair. Following the assessment, every customer who makes a purchase receives tuition at the point of handover.
Keen to raise all mobility scooter and powerchair users’ proficiency and safety, the company is now extending this basic training to everyone within the greater Glasgow area, regardless where or who the user purchased their scooter from.
The extension comes following the British Healthcare Trades Association’s (BHTA) response to the letter from the DfT, with interim Director General Andrew Stevenson stating: “There are instances in the market where consumers buy second-hand products locally or via the internet from other members of the public.
“If consumers use these routes, it is highly unlikely that they will get an assessment on the safe use of the mobility product, no advice on looking after it, nor on maintaining and charging of the product.”
Internet purchases have also often been a point of contention in the industry, with many bricks and mortar retailers highlighting situations where consumers will benefit from their expert assessments and training before going off to purchase the products cheaper online.
Speaking with Billy Finnie, Operation Manager at Mobility Scotland, he emphasised that user safety is the company’s number one priority above all else.
“The programme is designed to increase levels of user awareness, improve skillsets and boost user confidence and ultimately reduce accidents,” he told THIIS.
“Used safely, these vehicles provide many positive outcomes through self-reliance by safe mobilisation, improved social interaction, enhanced physical and mental wellbeing, while also not forgetting the local economic benefits with people getting back into the town centres, shopping malls, civic buildings etc.
“We passionately encourage customers to seize these benefits safely and we want to help be a part of customers’ positive journey.”
The company is offering any scooter or powerchair user within Glasgow and surrounding areas a Free Basic Training Session with an experienced mobility consultant which will last up to 60 mins (ongoing, if need be) in a local area or at its Kirkintilloch showrooms.
“We have two programmes available: Scooter Basic Training (SBT) Powerchair Basic Training (PBT),” added Billy.
The session covers every aspect of its Mobility Scotland Basic Training Programme, with families concerned about loved-ones’ safety on their devices urged to book a free session.
Once a user has completed the training, Mobility Scotland says they will receive a certificate of participation and ongoing support, if required.
https://thiis.co.uk/mobility-scotland-answers-baroness-veres-call-by-opening-up-mobility-training-to-all/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Mobility-Scotland-scooter-training-extension.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Mobility-Scotland-scooter-training-extension-150x150.jpgNewsroomRetailer NewsTrade Newsaccidents,Assessment,BHTA,Billy Finnie,Charlotte Vere,Department for Transport,Glasgow,mobility retailer,mobility scotland,Motability,trainingMobility Scotland has responded to a recent call to action by Transport Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton by opening up its long-standing mobility training programme to all scooter and powerchair users, irrespective of where they purchased their device. Earlier in the month, Charlotte Vere, Baroness Vere of Norbiton and Transport...Calvin BarnettCalvin Barnettcalvin.barnett@bhta.comAuthorTHIIS Magazine