Martin Docherty-Hughes, MP for West Dunbartonshire, has praised the work of local charity Clyde Shopmobility in helping thousands of disabled people across West Dunbartonshire since being founded in 2011.
During a visit to Clyde Shopmobility in Clydebank, the SNP MP met with staff and volunteers to mark the sixth year of the charity and discuss issues facing people with disabilities in the area.
Clyde Shopmobility is a community-led organisation which helps people get around town by providing mobility equipment including motorised scooters and wheelchairs.
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“Clyde Shopmobility provides an invaluable support service to thousands of people with mobility problems and visual impairments across West Dunbartonshire.
“Too many people with disabilities, illness or limited mobility face difficulties getting out of the house, resulting in loneliness and social isolation. Clyde Shopmobility plays a vital role in supporting people with disabilities to regain their independence – giving them the confidence to get out and about and access shops, parks, cafes and public services.
“This not only benefits the community, it also helps local businesses which benefit from additional customers who otherwise would not be able to access their goods and services.
“I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to meet with staff and volunteers and recognise the important contribution that Clyde Shopmobility has made to our communities over the past 6 years.”
A spokesperson for Clyde Shopmobility said:
“Clyde Shopmobility has delivered a mobility service to over 1200 people in West Dunbartonshire with over 19,000 individual service users. In addition this has also helped provide respite to friends and family, many of our members gain their independence back by enabling them to travel without needing assistance.
“We also regularly organise events in the local parks and areas of interest which focus on bringing people out of their homes and back into the communities. Our main aim is to help improve the quality of life that may have been lost due to mobility concerns or isolation.
“Clyde Shopmobility is a community-led charity and without the massive contribution made by our volunteers, we would not be able to operate a mobility service. Throughout the years, 72 volunteers have contributed over 100,000 hours of their time to help deliver a much needed service to West Dunbartonshire.”
