Agenda and minutes

Attendees who are users of the Shopmobility explained how much they rely on the service.

SP advised that the grant awarded from the Partnership Grant pot for Shopmobility 2016/17 is £8,000.00. A few years ago, they were awarded £30,000.00. £8,000.00 will not cover the cost of running the service. Due to legalities, redundancy notices have had to be given.

Shopmobility are working hard to find additional funds, working on solutions and other options with the support of Northampton Borough Council.

Options were discussed, including:

·         BID contribution – benefit to retailers

·         Sponsorship and fundraising to be built into a business plan – a proactive approach to attaining funding throughout the year.

·         Awareness days – already taken place, but how can NBC support, and service users themselves?

JO commented that he had written to Cllr Markham, Cllr Malpas and Cllr Eldred about funding for the service but had not had a response.

RH discussed the position of Shopmobility services nationally, and other towns are in a very similar position e.g. Luton, Stockton and Birmingham, closed, or on the brink of closure.

Cllr Anna King advised that a meeting was held with NBC and SP, NH and KG last week for an in depth discussion regarding support. NBC does not want Shopmobility to close. NBC and VIN are supporting Shopmobility to access additional funding, to enable the service to continue running until more sustainable funding is found. No rent is charged for their premises.

NH explained that usage of the service needs to increase. VR added that the need for the service needs to be evidenced. It was discussed whether reduced opening hours would help the service become more viable.

Options for publicising the service were discussed, including;

·         NPH tenancy packs and newsletters,

·         NBC,

·         NCC,

·         First for Wellbeing,

·         Talks to community groups about the service,

·         Better/increased signage for the premises,

·         Raising awareness within the shops themselves,

·         Social media - users of the service to help with this.

·         Hospitals and Doctors

·         Adult Social Services

SP added that for Shopmobility and Door to Door to survive, they would require £78,000.00 this year. NH added that the service broke even last year – 2015 was a difficult year. What can be changed? What can be done differently?

Friday 15^th July, 10:30-12:30pm, The Holding Room, The Guildhall.

Friday 16^th September, 10:30-12:30pm, The Holding Room, The Guildhall.

If you are interested in attending future Northampton Disabled People’s Forum meetings, please contact Alice Morgan, on alicemorgan@northampton.gov.uk to be added to the distribution list.