Walking and mobility

Mobility aids

If you have difficulty walking or getting around, a wheelchair, scooter or walking aid may help.

The NHS website explains how you can get equipment to meet your mobility needs.

Wheelchairs

To be eligible for a wheelchair loan you will need to have a long term disability which affects your ability to walk. You will need to be referred by your GP for an assessment at your local wheelchair service. This depends on where you live.

• Braintree, Witham, Chelmsford and Maldon (Provide Wheelchair Service)
• Epping, Harlow, Uttlesford (NHS)
• Colchester and Tendring (NHS)
• Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock (NHS)
• Southend (NHS)

For short term wheelchair loans contact:

• Red Cross
• Short Term Wheelchair Loan Charity (Colchester area)

Mobility scooters

Mobility scooters are not generally available from the NHS. See below, Buying your own equipment.

Shopmobility

Shopmobility services allow you to borrow a wheelchair or scooter while you are shopping.

Find your nearest Shopmobility

Buying your own equipment

You can view all types of specialist mobility equipment on the Living Made Easy website.

You can search for local suppliers that are approved by Trading Standards on the Buy with Confidence website.

The Motability scheme can help if you want to hire or buy an electric wheelchair. It allows some people to use their benefits to pay for a wheelchair or mobility scooter.