With support from the Department for Transport (DfT), Driving Mobility is successfully providing its free training scheme for powered wheelchair and mobility scooter (PWMS) retailers and hirers which aims to improve road safety for all.
The voluntary PWMS Retailer Training Scheme aims to improve road safety through an approved and consistent way of providing client assessments, to ensure people with mobility difficulties are able to obtain the most appropriate mobility scooters or powerchairs. Led by clinicians from Driving Mobility, retailers can combine new skills with their own product expertise, so consumers are able to drive more safely on well-suited products. The free training consists of online modules and a practical session at one of the designated Driving Mobility centres across the UK.
Through the training scheme, retailers and Driving Mobility centres are working closer together and building stronger relationships. This means when retailers have clients who would benefit from a more in-depth clinical assessment, they can be referred to a Driving Mobility Centre and then return to the retailer to purchase the best suited equipment.
Since the launch there have been several well-attended training events held at Driving Mobility centres around the country. These have included Cornwall Mobility, Truro; RDAC, Solihull; East Anglian DriveAbility (EAD), Norfolk; and QEF Mobility Services, Carshalton.
More dates are continually being added to the 2024 programme, with places currently available as follows:
- 11th March 2024 – RDAC, Patrick Farm Barns,
Meriden Road, Hampton in Arden, Solihull, B92 0LT - 12th March 2024 – William Merritt Disabled Living Centre,
Aire House, 100 Town Street, Rodley, Leeds, LS13 1HP - 20th March 2024 – East Anglian DriveAbility, 2 Napier Place,
Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 3RL - 21st March 2024 - Herts Ability, Suite 4, Wentworth Lodge, Great North Road,
Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 7SR - 24th April 2024 – North East Drive Mobility, Walkergate Park Hospital,
Benfield Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4QD. - 3rd May 2024 – Cornwall Mobility, North Buildings, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3LQ
Retailer feedback
At last October’s training session hosted by RDAC Solihull, retailers gained valuable insight including Sarah Caton, Director of Cowper’s Mobility Centre. Sarah said: “The PWMS Retailer Training Course was not only interesting, informative and a good opportunity to network with like-minded retailers, it was also pleasing to see that the course content backed up everything we, as a responsible mobility company, strive to achieve.”
Stacey Showering, Managing Director, Care Plus Mobility, reiterated Sarah’s comments by saying: “Great course and a real privilege to network with like-minded, committed professionals. The outcome of me applying the course content to my clients will enhance their skills, fostering safety, confidence and hopefully a more enriched active lifestyle.”
And Mary Eardley of Harris and Gray Ltd., added: “As the only online retailer at the event, I would like to thank the Driving Mobility team and the other retailers, for making me feel so welcome, and for sharing their experiences and good advice. The training day has reinforced the importance of safety, particularly when selling remotely, and has positively impacted my practice.”
Retailers attending the subsequent PWMS training at East Anglian Driveability (EAD) were equally as impressed as Moddy Grazys, Mobility Aids Centre Peterborough, commented: “Having the simulation glasses helped me understand how different conditions can affect how you ride a mobility scooter. It was very helpful to know that even in the Peterborough area we can refer customers to EAD.” Lisa Clarke and Linda Best of Felgains highlighted two key considerations they learnt: “The importance of getting clients to drive outside more during the assessment and how conditions such as a stroke can affect eyesight.” Overall, the course was described as “a real eye opener.”
To find out more about the training scheme or to register yourself or your colleagues for a PWMS Retailer Training Course, please email us at: info@drivingmobility.org.uk
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