Countryside Mobility South West

Introduction The Countryside Mobility South West scheme (CMSW) is managed and operated by Living Options Devon (LOD) www.livingoptions.org, a ULO and registered charity that exists to ensure people with physical and/or sensory disabilities and Deaf people with sign language can make an active and equal contribution in society. The scheme currently covers South West England and aims to greatly increase the opportunities for mobility impaired, elderly and frail people and their families to experience and enjoy the regions countryside through the provision of specialist mobility equipment. The mobility equipment is operated by partners to members of the public though a service user membership system and consists of all-terrain Tramper scooters and wheelchair accessible Wheelyboats. The equipment currently provides new and improved access at more than 25 countryside sites and visitor attractions for use on carefully selected paths and trails and inland waterways. Since the project started around 600 people have benefited directly from the scheme using equipment for over 1500 hours. In a recent survey 89% of members reported that joining the scheme and using mobility equipment had improved or significantly improved their enjoyment of the countryside. First time user feedback from members shows a 99% satisfaction rate with the membership system and training provided by partner sites and other common feedback about benefits of the scheme includes: Ability to join friends and family on outings Ability to explore more of sites and enabled people to visit places they would normally be unable to visit. Improved confidence and wellbeing

Independence and freedom

Operation of the scheme

CMSW has established a partnership1 of public sector organisations and private businesses who are working together to deliver, develop and promote the scheme across the region. Trampers are leased to partner sites for an annual fee which covers all start up work/costs including; health and safety guidance, a site disability access audit, staff training, insurance, equipment servicing and maintenance, use of all operational forms and procedures and ongoing operational support from project staff. Wheelyboats are provided through a partnership with the Wheelyboat Trust (WBT) and partner sites with cash match funding raised by the site or the WBT. Once a boat is placed the host site takes on full responsibility for insurance and operation of the boat to the public in accordance with the relevant hire boat codes of conduct. All equipment provided through the project remains the property of LOD. Partner sites charge for the hire of the equipment or ask for a suggested donation. Income generated from hire charges is retained by the host site. All equipment is operated through a membership system which costs 10.00 per year or 2.50 for 4 weeks. The equipment and partner sites are advertised on the CMSW website which is maintained by LOD. Additional promotion work is coordinated by LOD including social media accounts, press releases and attendance at shows. Supporting and training other ULOs who wish to establish CM schemes. LOD has developed a robust but flexible operational model for the scheme that can be easily rolled out to other areas of the UK. 83% of existing partners reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the operational procedures and membership systems developed by LOD and 89% were satisfied or very satisfied with the way the overall project has been managed by LOD. After proving that the scheme works and that there is demand from service users, LOD are looking for new partners elsewhere in the UK and can offer the following services to any ULOs interested in setting up a similar scheme: Presentations to explain how the scheme works, information on potential partners and what work is required to successful establish a similar scheme. Stakeholder and service user consultation to investigate demand and likely uptake in new areas Organisation and facilitation of taster days at a potential local host site to engage service users, potential project partners and other stakeholders. Guidance and support in setting up new schemes. For more information please contact:

Devon County Council, South West Lakes Trust, Forestry Commission, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, The Wheelyboat Trust, The National Trust, Beamer Ltd (Tramper manufactures), Bristol City Council, RSPB, Gloucester County Council, Tamar Valley AONB, Cornwall AONB, Cotswold Way National Trail, Grand Western Canal Trust, Devon Cycle Hire, Abbotshood Cycle Hire, Royal Horticultural Society, Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, Batsford Arboretum, Exmoor National Park Authority, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Tamar Valley AONB, North Devon AONB.

James Maben Countryside Mobility Project Manager Living Options Devon Isca House Haven Road Exeter EX2 8DS Tel : 01392 456522 Mobile : 07841 204397 Email : James.maben@livingoptions.org