View the case studies about our wonderful volunteers and loyal customers!
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Laura
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Judith
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‘Before I retired, I worked for John Lewis in Watford as a cashier and kitchenware assistant. I was also a carer for my beloved late husband, Terry who had a brain haemorrhage in 1981.
When I retired we became volunteers for Shopmobility Watford because we wanted to work together and to do something that we would both enjoy. Other charities that we approached would only take one of us at a time. Despite his disabilities, Terry loved making a fuss of the customers and making them laugh.
When he died in 2002, I suffered with depression and I took some time off. As soon as I felt able to cope, I returned to Shopmobility as a volunteer. I thought it would be good for me.
I began using the scheme due to knee problems. When I had a knee replacement and a broken foot and I used a scooter on each occasion. I still can’t walk very far, I don’t have a car, but I live near a bus stop. I get a bus or dial-a-ride to Watford town centre, pick up a scooter from Shopmobility and I go to the bank, do essential food shopping, pick up prescriptions and meet my friends for coffee. I would have to stay at home if it wasn’t for Shopmobility. It gives me the freedom to be independent and I don’t have to rely on other people.
I have made lots of friends through Shopmobility and I find that helping others helps me. I enjoy the get togethers with the other volunteers and I love the fish and chips that we have on training evenings.’
When I retired we became volunteers for Shopmobility Watford because we wanted to work together and to do something that we would both enjoy. Other charities that we approached would only take one of us at a time. Despite his disabilities, Terry loved making a fuss of the customers and making them laugh.
When he died in 2002, I suffered with depression and I took some time off. As soon as I felt able to cope, I returned to Shopmobility as a volunteer. I thought it would be good for me.
I began using the scheme due to knee problems. When I had a knee replacement and a broken foot and I used a scooter on each occasion. I still can’t walk very far, I don’t have a car, but I live near a bus stop. I get a bus or dial-a-ride to Watford town centre, pick up a scooter from Shopmobility and I go to the bank, do essential food shopping, pick up prescriptions and meet my friends for coffee. I would have to stay at home if it wasn’t for Shopmobility. It gives me the freedom to be independent and I don’t have to rely on other people.
I have made lots of friends through Shopmobility and I find that helping others helps me. I enjoy the get togethers with the other volunteers and I love the fish and chips that we have on training evenings.’
‘I never realised when I registered with Shopmobility that I would be joining a warm and supportive extended family. As the Harlequin (now The Intu Centre) effect took hold of Watford the stores that I had happily trotted around for many a shopping trip seemed to expand and Xmas Shopping ceased to be a pleasure and became an endurance test.
I am not sure who told me about Shopmobility; it must have been my Fairy Godmother. After a few tentative visits to Shopmobility, accompanied by my daughter, I relaxed onto easy shopping mode.
Inspired by the Management who lead by example, nothing is ever too much trouble for the band of volunteers who help to run Shopmobility. “Raining? Have an umbrella or a rain cover.”“Cold? Need a blanket or gloves.” Steps on the wheelchair not quite the right length? Just a Mo’ I’ll get a spanner.” Would you like a cushion, a backrest or a leg rest?” The only things that the staff or volunteers cannot do are to give help with very personal tasks or lifting. A transfer board is available if needed and a prodding slick for those who have difficulty reaching lift buttons. If a client should be unfortunate enough to have a fall, no worries the ambulance service or security are a phone call away.
I have limited arm strength and movement so although I can extract a ticket at the barrier on the way into the Car Park I am unable to cope with the reverse procedure on the way out, but after a few visits the volunteers became aware of my limitations and, “Hey Presto” not only help with the barrier but help with my shopping as well.
When my husband retired I encouraged him to become a volunteer. The weekly food shop ceased to be a chore and became a social pleasure. Time for a chat and catch up with the extended family I was acquiring. Later I filled my husbands’ shoes and became a volunteer. Monday mornings will find me at the Shopmobility dealing with telephone enquiries, booking equipment in and out, arranging taxis for tired shoppers. I also input data the computer on a Wednesday.
Fund raising is high on the agenda at Shopmobility as the service offered is free. We have seasonal raffles and social evenings which take the form training Sessions. Many of the events have a fund raising element.
Shopmobility provides what I think is one of the most practical services for people with limited mobility; proof of its success is the number of volunteers and their family members who are users of the service.
I am not sure who told me about Shopmobility; it must have been my Fairy Godmother. After a few tentative visits to Shopmobility, accompanied by my daughter, I relaxed onto easy shopping mode.
Inspired by the Management who lead by example, nothing is ever too much trouble for the band of volunteers who help to run Shopmobility. “Raining? Have an umbrella or a rain cover.”“Cold? Need a blanket or gloves.” Steps on the wheelchair not quite the right length? Just a Mo’ I’ll get a spanner.” Would you like a cushion, a backrest or a leg rest?” The only things that the staff or volunteers cannot do are to give help with very personal tasks or lifting. A transfer board is available if needed and a prodding slick for those who have difficulty reaching lift buttons. If a client should be unfortunate enough to have a fall, no worries the ambulance service or security are a phone call away.
I have limited arm strength and movement so although I can extract a ticket at the barrier on the way into the Car Park I am unable to cope with the reverse procedure on the way out, but after a few visits the volunteers became aware of my limitations and, “Hey Presto” not only help with the barrier but help with my shopping as well.
When my husband retired I encouraged him to become a volunteer. The weekly food shop ceased to be a chore and became a social pleasure. Time for a chat and catch up with the extended family I was acquiring. Later I filled my husbands’ shoes and became a volunteer. Monday mornings will find me at the Shopmobility dealing with telephone enquiries, booking equipment in and out, arranging taxis for tired shoppers. I also input data the computer on a Wednesday.
Fund raising is high on the agenda at Shopmobility as the service offered is free. We have seasonal raffles and social evenings which take the form training Sessions. Many of the events have a fund raising element.
Shopmobility provides what I think is one of the most practical services for people with limited mobility; proof of its success is the number of volunteers and their family members who are users of the service.