Stephen Mains, 66 and retired HGV driver from Stockton, has been able to regain his driving independence following a stroke thanks to the support of Driving Mobility and a grant from Motability.

Driving Mobility is a national charity supported by The Department for Transport that co-ordinates a network of driving and mobility assessment centres across the UK. These 21 centres, many with outreach facilities, provide ‘fitness to drive’ assessments for clients that self-refer and are signposted from DVLA, Motability, the NHS and Police. Helping drivers with disabilities to regain or maintain independence is achieved by professional advice regarding appropriate vehicle adaptations and mobility equipment. The Newcastle Driving Mobility Centre is based in the Walkergate Park Hospital Centre for Neuro-Rehabilitation and Neuro-Psychiatry and operates as an NHS department with the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust. This Centre were instrumental in supporting Stephen so he could return to driving after a stroke in 2020 – assisted by free assessments, lessons and vehicle steering adaptations funded by the Driving Assessment Grant (DAG).

The DAG has been made possible by Motability, the national charity that helps keep disabled people mobile through its vehicle and equipment leasing scheme. To help individuals not currently using the scheme or who do not qualify, Motability awarded Driving Mobility £50,000 to pilot this grant programme which has proven extremely successful.

Stephen is one of the latest drivers to benefit and tells his story: “When I had my stroke, I really thought my driving days were over, I was so upset in the hospital as I’d lost function in my right hand. I had to give up my licence until I was deemed safe to be back on the road so was directed to the Newcastle Driving Mobility Centre. I was quite anxious before my driving assessment but the team there were so fantastic, they really did all they could to put me at ease. They recommended I used a steering aid called a ‘Lodgesons lollipop’ so I could steer with one hand and use its buttons for controlling things like the indicators and wipers. I was assessed driving around the block a few times with this kit however they concluded I needed driving lessons to get more proficient with this new way of driving. Well only after 11 hours of tuition I went back to the centre and passed! Kirsten and Neal at the centre were amazing, so encouraging all the way through.”

Now driving again full time, Stephen’s independence is making a huge difference to him and his wife, Lesley Ann, as he concludes: “I can’t tell you how grateful we are for getting me back behind the wheel. I’m over the moon! Without the support of the Newcastle Driving Mobility centre and the grant from Motability, I’d have never been able to drive again. Our first journey was a trip to Redcar to see the coast and enjoy an ice cream. It has been so long since we have been able to visit the seaside. It was so wonderful to see the sea and countryside again and we want to say a big, big thank you to everyone at Driving Mobility and Motability who has helped me get back on the road. I do hope my story helps inspire other people with disabilities…I say to everyone ‘go for it!’.”

 

#MyDrivingMobility

Nigel King, 74 from Enfield, is back behind the wheel following a stroke thanks to specialist support and driving tuition from a Driving Mobility assessment centre based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.

Nigel is a retired residential and commercial estate agent who has always led an active lifestyle with extensive driving. His career involved selling substantial properties which involved the use of a car on a regular basis. Since passing his test at 17, Nigel drove for over 50 years until he experienced a stroke in 2018. This left him with reduced mobility in his left hand and arm which meant driving a standard car was impossible.

Nigel was concerned that he might not be able to drive again however his consultant and Occupational Therapists explained there were possible solutions that gave him hope. The DVLA was informed of Nigel’s situation so his driving licence was put on hold until a professional assessment confirmed he could drive safely in an adapted vehicle. This led to help from Driving Mobility.

As Nigel’s rehabilitation began, the stroke department at his local hospital advised him to seek a specialist driving assessment. This would provide a professional evaluation of his capabilities and recommend suitable adaptions to allow safe driving with one hand. Nigel researched online and discovered the charity Driving Mobility which accredited a centre close to his home (Herts Ability).

The national charity Driving Mobility oversees 20 centres, which consist of independent charities and NHS departments, with over 70 outreach facilities across the UK. Driving Mobility is regarded as the ‘national voice of assisted driving and independence’ and continues to support the development of new services focused on all aspects of accessible travel. The Welwyn Garden City centre is proud to be part of this network with its CEO, Sean Lawrence, being an active Trustee on the Driving Mobility board. Nigel contacted the Hertfordshire centre and a driving assessment was booked.

Nigel explains: “Driving Mobility were so supportive of me throughout the whole process and really patient. After an initial consultation on the phone I made an appointment to visit their centre. After a reassuring welcome I underwent a cognitive test and was then accompanied in a dual-control car by an instructor and therapist. A steering knob or ‘lollipop’ had already been fitted to the vehicle to see if I could operate it safely and confidently. At first I did not find it easy, even though I am right-handed my 50-years of holding a steering wheel in a standard way made it difficult. Driving Mobility was very patient with me and following the initial assessment they recommended driving lessons so I could get used to this new way of driving. As part of their service they put me in touch with one of their assessors, who was able to provide tuition.”

Nigel completed some 20 hours of tuition and another assessment over a 12-month period – achieving a positive outcome in November 2019. This meant his driving licence was returned and he was approved to drive independently once more. Nigel’s automatic Ford Fiesta has been fitted with a wireless ‘lollipop’ which clips onto the steering wheel to provide leverage and push-button control of indicators, lights, wipers and horn. It can be easily removed for his wife to drive their car with standard controls. They can now drive together or independently again.

Nigel concludes: “It took me a year to achieve approval to drive again, however, my persistence paid off. I’ll be honest I didn’t find it easy and I really had to work at it, but I got there.  Dependent on your abilities, I’d say it is wise not to expect success overnight.  After a life-changing experience, it can take time to learn a new way of driving. So, my final piece of advice is not to be deterred. Be patient and take your time, concentrate and practise and you’ll get there. Being able to drive again has enabled me to regain my independence thanks to Driving Mobility.”

 

#MyDrivingMobility