Salisbury Gets New Mobility Scooters for Shopping Access

Shopping shouldn't be a barrier course, and in Salisbury, a dedicated charity is making sure it isn't.

Friends of Salisbury Shopmobility (FoSS) recently purchased new mobility equipment for residents who need a little extra help getting around town. The gear includes a red four-wheel scooter, a high-back power chair with a seat adjuster, and an assisted manual wheelchair.

The charity funds these purchases by running a small shop and market stall selling items like folding walking sticks, grabbers, and blue badge holders. They also accept donated mobility equipment in good condition, resell it, and put every pound toward helping locals stay mobile and independent.

Salisbury Shopmobility, managed by Salisbury City Council, offers the equipment for hire at just £5 per day with a £10 annual membership. The service operates Monday through Saturday from 9am to 4:30pm at their Priory Square location.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership does more than provide wheels. It gives people the freedom to run errands, meet friends for coffee, and participate in community life without depending on others.

Vicky Goodwright, customer service manager at Salisbury City Council, says the new equipment helps modernize their fleet while reducing maintenance costs. That means the service can stick around for years to come, supporting future generations who need it.

Andy Thomson, chair of FoSS, is proud of what the small charity accomplishes through community support. The ongoing collaboration between volunteers, council staff, and generous donors creates a safety net that catches people before isolation sets in.

The message is simple: if you have gently used mobility items gathering dust, FoSS can turn them into independence for someone else.