Directory: Mobility

For information on disabled access, wheelchair walks, easy access for all, mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles and buggy walks visit the ACE website.

The Blue Badge Scheme provides national parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel as drivers or passengers. The scheme is also for people who are severely sight impaired. People who have a blue badge can park close to their destination in on-street parking and car parks. The form can either be filled in online or you can call Somerset County Council.

The cost of a blue badge is £10. The badge can only be used with the person who owns the badge in the car at the time of parking, as a photograph is used on the badge, for identification. Badges take approximately a month to arrive.

If you or someone in your property is disabled you may qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant. This would help towards the cost of providing major adaptations and facilities that would help the person to live in their home. The applicant of the grant must be either the owner of the property or a tenant.
The landlord of the property may also apply and a tenant must have the permission of the landlord. There are conditions attached please ask on application. To apply contact Adult Social Care on the number below and ask for an Occupational Therapist Assessment or visit website for more information.

You may be able to apply for a disabled person’s rail card, if you are in receipt of certain benefits, are visually impaired or registered as deaf, please see website for details, the card will allow you a third off rail travel and costs £20.00 a year.

Swimming and hydrotherapy sessions for children and young people with a disability or additional need aged between 5-18 years. The opportunity to develop water confidence, water skills and therapeutic movement in the water. There may be a waiting list.

Frome: Tuesdays between 4.00 – 6.00pm at Harry’s Hydro (Critchill School), Frome BA11 4LB.

To enquire about a minor adaptation such as grab rails, lever taps, threshold lowering etc. contact Somerset Direct.

Disabled Facilities grants:
To find out more about disabled facilities such as level access showers and stairlifts and apply for a grant (subject to eligibility) contact Adult Social Care via Somerset Direct and request to speak to an Occupational Therapist.

Independent Living Officers:
For referrals and enquiries regarding our hoarding service, Home Safety checks, Decent Homes, or for one of our trusted assessors to refer grab rails around your property contact Somerset Independent Plus.

HomeFirst Plus provides a range of practical services and home adaptations for anyone needing support. The service covers the whole of the Somerset.

Mendip Community Transport. This service provides transport to hospitals outside the Mendip Area for patients who are unable to use conventional public transport. There is limited availability within Mendip area, this service is available for journeys of 12 miles or more. Passengers are advised to book as soon as an appointment is received. Cost 60p per mile with small reduction if a Bus Pass is held. All passengers must complete a registration form which is available on request from MCT.

Independent Living Centres have a range of equipment and technology to help you stay independent, both in the home, and also when out and about. At the centre you can get advice, find out what kind of equipment is available, and even try some out for yourself. It’s free to visit, but you’ll need to make an appointment first.

Shape Mendip, Stockhill Building, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BT

Opening times are by appointment only: Monday to Thursday 9:30am to 3:30pm

To arrange an appointment click ‘contact us’ via the website link below, or contact us by telephone or email on the below contact details; If deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired SMS text on 07862122246.

Mendip Community Transport, Slinky Service  – This service provides transport for Senior citizens, those with disabilities & socially excluded persons (i.e. no access to local bus routes). It is a first come, first served service so passengers are advised to give as much notice as possible. Please phone the booking Line for details of cost and availability – Bus Passes are accepted.

If you are disabled, you may be able to exchange your mobility allowance to get a vehicle that suits your needs. What’s more you don’t even need to drive. Family, friends or carers can drive on your behalf.
The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair by exchanging their Government funded mobility allowance . If you receive either the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA), the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP) , the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) you may be eligible to join the Motability Scheme.

For the hire of mobility aids including wheelchairs. There’s a delivery and pick up costs as well as donation for the hire depending on the item. Cost no barrier for those not able to donate.

We provide an integrated service for the disabled and vulnerable people of Somerset, to enable them to be more independent, improve their housing and to live in safer homes through disabled adaptations, home improvements and prevention services.

The Home Maintenance Service is a subsidised service for small repairs and jobs around your house. The care and repair team works together with local authorities as well as the NHS in Somerset. The service also aims to reduce accidents and help make your home more secure.

To book a visit or to enquire an assessment at one of our Independent Advice Centres please contact Somerset Direct On 0300 123 2224 or alternatively you can email adults@somerset.gov.uk

The Somerset Social Care and Support for Adults Guide explores the entire social care journey. The online guide includes information on paying for care, finding the right care home, specialist care or help for carers.  The social care guide also gives you a list of care providers in Somerset, so whether you’re looking for a nursing home for dad in Frome, or a home care service for mum in Taunton Deane, this health and social care directory can help you. Follow the website link below to the e-book.