Last week, Friday 26th July 2024, Richard McIntosh, Fund Development Manager for the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, visited Martin Cleary, the Hub Manager from The Circle’s Shop Mobility Services in Dundee. The Circle achieved a significant milestone by securing a NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation three-year £120,000 grant for their Shop Mobility Services in Dundee in April 24. 

During his visit, Richard said ” I truly commend The Circle Mobility Service for their exceptional work, Richard went on to highlight that the Circle Mobility Service offers mobility scooters and other aids for loan at the Overgate Shopping Centre, significantly enhancing accessibility in the city.

Richard said “This service plays a vital role in Dundee, serving the locals community and tourists visiting the city, providing individuals with both long-term and short-term mobility constraints giving them the freedom of access and opportunities for independent living. Having the ability to access mobility aids can help empower individuals to regain their independence and confidence. These aids enable individuals with mobility constraints to move freely, engage in social interactions, ultimately reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.”

Martin Cleary, the Hub Manager at The Circle said that “The Circle are delighted to be able to help people get out and about in Dundee City Centre and hope to be able to expand the service to support even more people!”  The service is run by dedicated team and volunteers as part of The Circle’s volunteer program, which promotes social engagement while offering valuable work experience and internships for individuals transitioning into the workforce.

Richard McIntosh’s recognition of the importance of access to mobility aids in improving quality of life and well-being, especially in the post-pandemic period, is significant.The planned expansion of services to other venues in Dundee by The Circle is an exciting development that will further promote city-wide accessibility and equipment rental for individuals in need.

It’s heartening to see the dedication of the team and volunteers at The Circle in providing support to help people in Dundee get out and about, promoting social engagement. 

It’s initiatives like these that truly make a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals in Dundee and beyond.

For further information on the Circles Shop Mobility please check out www.thecirclecic.org.uk