Mobility Solutions in Wisbech & Fenland

In the heart of the Fens, ensuring accessible and reliable transport and mobility solutions is paramount for many residents. Whether you're navigating daily appointments, social engagements, or simply seeking greater independence, understanding the local resources available can make a significant difference. This guide delves into the services offered by Wisbech Mobility and the Fenland Association for Community Transport (FACT), two key organisations dedicated to enhancing mobility for individuals in Wisbech and the surrounding areas.

Wisbech Mobility: Your Partner in Independent Living

Established in March 2000, Wisbech Mobility has built a strong reputation for providing quality mobility products and exceptional customer service to the Wisbech community and its neighbours. Their commitment lies in empowering individuals to maintain their independence and live life to the fullest.

A Comprehensive Range of Mobility Products

Wisbech Mobility is an approved dealership for a vast array of leading brands in the mobility sector. This extensive network ensures customers have access to a wide selection of high-quality equipment, catering to diverse needs and preferences. Some of the renowned brands they represent include:

This extensive list, while not exhaustive, highlights Wisbech Mobility's dedication to offering a broad spectrum of solutions, from daily living aids to advanced mobility vehicles and home adaptation equipment. Their knowledgeable staff can guide you through the options to find the perfect fit for your individual requirements.

Expert Workshop and Battery Testing

Beyond sales, Wisbech Mobility boasts a comprehensive workshop facility equipped with the latest diagnostic aids. This allows them to efficiently and cost-effectively identify and resolve any faults with your mobility equipment. A standout feature is their state-of-the-art battery testing facility. Ensuring your mobility scooter or powerchair batteries are in optimal condition is crucial for reliable performance. Their thorough testing process can help you avoid unnecessary battery replacements, saving you valuable money and ensuring you can depend on your equipment when you need it most.

Fenland Association for Community Transport (FACT): Connecting Communities

FACT operates as a vital charity, providing essential transport services to individuals facing difficulties with conventional modes of transport across the Fenland, Huntingdonshire, and East Cambridgeshire areas. Their core mission is to offer accessible, affordable, and safe travel solutions, fostering greater independence and community engagement.

Are FACT Vehicles Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes, a significant portion of FACT's fleet is specifically designed to accommodate wheelchair users. They operate a diverse range of vehicles:

• Minibuses: These vehicles have seating capacities ranging from 12 to 16 passengers. Crucially, some of these minibuses are equipped to carry up to five wheelchair users, making them ideal for group outings and specialised transport needs.
• Cars: FACT also utilises cars that can accommodate one wheelchair user alongside two passengers, offering a more personalised transport option.

Many of their vehicles are fully accessible, meaning they are designed to facilitate easy boarding for wheelchair users and individuals who find steps challenging. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their mobility, can access their services.

Driver Training and Service Quality

The safety and quality of service are paramount for FACT. All their drivers undergo rigorous training to meet nationally recognised standards. This includes:

• MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme): This comprehensive training, administered nationally by the Community Transport Association UK (CTA) and endorsed by ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), focuses on safe and responsible minibus driving.
• Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC): This qualification is aimed at enhancing road safety and maintaining high standards of driving across the board.

FACT prides itself on delivering a good quality, friendly, and flexible service. They actively encourage feedback, welcoming complaints, grievances, and suggestions to continuously improve their offerings. In essence, FACT is a crucial Community Transport Organisation, leveraging its vehicle fleet to significantly enhance mobility for residents in their operational areas.

Accessing Community Transport: Group Hire & Community Car Schemes

FACT offers several schemes designed to meet the varied needs of the community. To benefit from these services, membership with FACT is generally required.

Dial-a-Ride

This service is available to FACT members and provides accessible transport. For individuals holding a Cambridgeshire County Council bus pass, the Dial-a-Ride service is free to use. An annual membership fee of £10 applies for others.

Dial-a-Car

Specifically tailored for individuals residing in the Fenland, Huntingdonshire, and East Cambs areas who lack alternative transport options. This service is needs-based and can be used for a wide range of journeys, including appointments and holidays, where the Dial-a-Ride service may not be suitable. Membership with FACT is required. For enquiries, call 01354 661243.

Group Hire

This service is available to local community groups and non-profit organisations whose activities align with social welfare, recreation, cultural pursuits, or similar purposes. Membership with FACT is a prerequisite for utilising this service.

Community Car Schemes

These schemes are a fantastic resource for individuals who struggle with public transport or have no access to it. They provide organised, door-to-door lifts for essential medical and social journeys, often run by dedicated volunteers. Passengers contribute towards the journey cost, with a minimum charge often applied. Availability is dependent on volunteer drivers, and passengers are encouraged to provide at least 24-48 hours' notice for bookings.

Local Community Car Schemes:

Several community car schemes operate across Fenland, each with its own contact details. It's advisable to call them directly for the most accurate information on their specific operations and coverage:

• Chatteris, Doddington, Benwick & Manea: 07944 814156
• Elm, Friday Bridge, Coldham & Christchurch: 07902 316360
• Leverington, Newton & Tydd (plus Gorefield): 07340 812987
• Parson Drove Surgery Car Scheme (Medical Appointments Only): 07766 534280 (Please note: This is an answerphone/call-back service.)
• Whittlesey: 07810 427483
• Wimblington & Stonea with March (plus Doddington, Benwick & Manea/Ramsey Doctor Surgeries): 07563 782938
• Wisbech: 07541 400780
• Wisbech St Mary: 07592 407283

FACT also operates a Dial-A-Car service specifically using wheelchair accessible vehicles. For more details on this, contact 01354 661234.

Other Transport Support and Information

Patient Transport Service

For patients who are frail or require specialist assistance for hospital or treatment centre appointments, a dedicated Patient Transport Service is available. This high-quality service prioritises safety, effectiveness, and flexibility, ensuring fair access to essential health services. To ascertain eligibility or for more information, please call 0345 6038117.

Concessionary Bus Passes and Healthcare Travel Costs

Individuals of state pension age or those with disabilities may be eligible for a free ('concessionary') bus pass. Information on how and where to apply can be found on relevant local authority websites.

If you are referred for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a healthcare professional, you may be able to claim a refund for reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS). Details on eligibility and how to claim are available through official NHS channels.

Public Transport Information

For those needing to plan journeys on public transport, a Journey Planner is often available online, allowing you to check local bus routes and plan your travel efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who can use the services provided by Wisbech Mobility?
Wisbech Mobility serves individuals in Wisbech and the surrounding areas who require mobility products and services to enhance their independence and quality of life. This includes a wide range of equipment from mobility scooters and wheelchairs to stairlifts and home adaptation furniture.

Q2: Do I need to be a member to use FACT's services?
Yes, generally, membership with FACT is required to use their Dial-a-Ride and Dial-a-Car services, as well as the Group Hire option. Community Car Schemes may have different registration processes, often managed by local volunteer coordinators.

Q3: Are FACT's vehicles suitable for people with limited mobility who don't use wheelchairs?
Yes, many of FACT's vehicles are designed to be fully accessible, accommodating not only wheelchair users but also those who find steps difficult to use. The focus is on making travel easier and safer for everyone with mobility challenges.

Q4: How do I find out which Community Car Scheme covers my specific village?
The best approach is to contact the listed Community Car Scheme numbers directly. As they are volunteer-run, their operational areas and contact methods can vary slightly.

Q5: Can Wisbech Mobility help with repairs and maintenance?
Absolutely. Wisbech Mobility has a comprehensive workshop with advanced diagnostic tools to repair and maintain a wide range of mobility equipment. They also offer expert battery testing services to ensure optimal performance and potentially save you money.

Navigating mobility challenges can be daunting, but with organisations like Wisbech Mobility and FACT, residents in the Fenland area have access to dedicated support, quality products, and essential transport services designed to foster independence and improve daily living.