Charity will get moving online

A Paisley charity that helps people with mobility issues to get around the town centre has been handed a cash boost to revamp its website and give the disabled community even more independence, writes Steph Brawn, local democracy reporter.

Shopmobility - which offers free daily hire of manual and powered wheelchairs and scooters - will be able to inject new life into its online presence, thanks to the funding from Foundation Scotland.

University of Glasgow student Conal Sutherland will now be working with Paisley Northwest councillor Kenny MacLaren to create the new website, which will allow users to not only keep up-to-date with the charity’s latest news but, crucially, book mobility scooters online for the first time.

Karen Miller, manager, said:“We’re delighted to not only receive the funding from Foundation Scotland, but also the skills and knowledge of Conal to help take forward this project to revamp and improve our online presence.

“Conal was one of a number of students who applied to help us improve our online presence and we’re delighted that he has come onboard.

“The project to improve our online presence is being led by Kenny MacLaren – who is also one of our directors.

“Working with Conal, he will make sure that more people can find out about us and our services online.”

The project will also see the charity’s social media channels enhanced on sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Shopmobility - which is based on the ground floor of the Paisley Centre car park in Storie Street - is available to anyone with temporary or permanent mobility impairment whether through disability, illness or injury.

People do not need to have a blue badge to use the scooters or wheelchairs.

The service is open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and from 10am to 3pm on Saturdays.