Shopmobility is celebrating its 30th birthday with a virtual look back at it’s history.
From 2pm on Wednesday 10 June 2020, the Shopmobility team will be sharing photos, articles and information on its Facebook page about the service right from the beginning through to present day.
Co-founded by Richard Trelfa, Shopmobility enables people with mobility issues to access the huge array of shops, historic sites and popular locations in Gloucester.
Shopmobility opened its doors on 10 June 1990 and has become a vital service for its customers, and is supported through its volunteers, donations from the public and Gloucester City Council.
The service has been a reliable source of help, kindness and companionship for vulnerable people, which is shown through the dedication of its staff. One member Rita O’Neill joined Shopmobility at the beginning and has been part of the team since.
Richard Trelfa, Scheme Founder, said:
“It has been in the past the best shopmobility in the country, I personally know the quality and value of Gloucester shopmobility having been the founder, scheme coordinator and now a customer of the service. Schemes like Gloucester Shopmobility are as vital for tourism and shopping in our city as they are for the customers who use them. I’ll be glad to have it back because I need it myself now and look forward to visiting my favourite Gloucester shops and landmarks when it reopens.”
Cllr Richard Cook, Leader of Gloucester City Council, said:
“This service has been a lifeline for people who need assistance in getting around our city, and the fact it has been going for three decades shows how valued it is by the community it serves, a feeling shared by the council. The team has shown unwavering commitment to helping others over the last 30 years and we are sure that will continue for years to come.”
