Driving Mobility to Help More Disabled People Travel Confidently with £1.5 Million Government Funding

The Driving Mobility HUBs service advises on all forms of accessible transport, including mobility scooters and bus travel.

MORESK ROAD, TRURO, UK, March 29, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — Following the successful pilot of its ‘HUBs’ accessible travel information service, Driving Mobility is delighted to be continuing this initiative for non-drivers thanks to a share of funding from the UK Government who today announced a £2.5 million package to support disabled people.

£1.5 million has been allocated to Driving Mobility, the national charity that coordinates driving and mobility assessment centres across the UK, so that it can expand its ‘HUBs’ inclusive transport advice and signposting service.

Part of today’s official announcement from The Department for Transport:

The Government has today (29 March 2022) announced a £2.5 million package to support disabled people travel more confidently on our transport network as it reopens after Covid.

– £2.5 million package to improve the accessibility of transport for disabled people

– Accessibility Minister announces £1.5 million to help disabled people travel more confidently

– £1m new funding to enhance access to lifeline ferry services

The new funding will include £1.5m allocated to support all 13 Driving Mobility Centres across England roll out a ‘HUBs Mobility Service’. These vital services help people stay mobile after they have been advised to stop driving or if they are unable to learn to drive due to their disabilities, offering them advice on alternatives such as powered wheelchairs, community transport and local services.

The HUBs have been successfully piloted at seven of the Driving Mobility Centres over the last two years and have already helped over 4,000 people regain and retain confidence to travel. The real-life benefits of staying mobile were highlighted in the Inclusive Transport Strategy which sets out the link between reduced mobility and access to transport with loneliness and social isolation.

Wendy Morton, Accessibility Minister, said: “This funding will help people travel with confidence and comes just in time as our nation rebuilds from Covid. We want to help everyone to be mobile and these vital HUBs Mobility Services will provide life-changing travel advice keeping people connected to their friends, work and support networks.”

Driving Mobility is supported by the Department for Transport and provides a range of services including ‘fitness to drive’ assessments from its nationwide centres. Led by Occupational Therapists and Approved Driving Instructors, these services strive to facilitate personal mobility and driving independence for clients mostly signposted from the DVLA, Motability, Police and the NHS.

If driving is not a viable option for clients, its new HUBs service offers impartial advice on transport alternatives such as community transport and accessible bus, coach, rail and plane travel. Driving Mobility can advise clients on accessible venues and locations along with lifestyle choices and inclusive activities.

Edward Trewhella, CEO, Driving Mobility, concludes: “We are delighted with today’s announcement which ensures our HUBs service can now evolve to the next level. Our team has proven with the latest accurate information and expert knowledge, that we can successfully guide individuals back to safe and appropriate transport options, without needing a car. The UK Government recognises that inclusion, equality and accessibility are vital to strengthening everyone’s well-being as we exit the pandemic – our centres are proud to underpin this commitment.”

https://www.drivingmobility.org.uk/

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Driving Mobility, supported by the Department for Transport

As a registered charity, Driving Mobility accredits a network of 21 driving assessment centres covering the whole of the UK. Many with outreach facilities, these centres include independent charities and NHS centres which offer professional information and assessment so disabled and elderly people can gain or retain independence.

Driving Mobility ensures that there are common standards, promotes good practice and offers training and education to all regional centres, whilst working closely with associated national organisations. These include the Department for Transport, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Driver and Vehicle Agency (NI), Motability and the Police, along with many other valued stakeholders.

Driving Mobility is privileged to have Baroness Thomas of Winchester as their patron and is supported by HM Government.

For further information please contact:

Jon Nock, Director

iDIS Creative Marketing Limited

6B (First Floor), The Courtyard, Meadow Bank, Furlong Road, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire. SL8 5AU. Email: [email protected] Mob: +44(0)7786 245896

Issued on behalf of:

Edward Trewhella, Chief Executive, Driving Mobility, The Old Carriage Works, Moresk Road, Truro, TR1 1DG. Email: [email protected] www.drivingmobility.org.uk

Jon Nock
iDIS Creative Marketing Limited
+44 7786 245896
[email protected]