Ormskirk's Brighter Future Workshop is asking local residents to donate mobility equipment they may have lying around their homes that are no longer used.

Based in Greenhey Place, Skelmersdale, the award winning charity and social enterprise has a thriving outlet at Ormskirk's Two Saints Retail Park and brings used mobility equipment back to life to give people who cannot afford new equipment the chance to access what they need.







Examples of equipment lovingly restored by the team include wheelchairs, mobility scooters, power chairs, rise and recline chairs, children’s equipment, hospital type beds and walking aids.

It's now asking West Lancashire residents to donate any mobility equipment that is gathering dust in attics or storage, so that it can be refurbished and distributed to people in need*.

There are around 1.2 million wheelchair users in England (more than two per cent of the UK population), and they often face severe delays to their chairs with 70 per cent waiting more than three months, and a further 15 per cent waiting for more than a year.

Peter Cousins MBE, chair of Brighter Future Workshop Ltd, told QLocal on Monday: "Many of our customers have become disadvantaged and isolated due to the shortage of reliable and affordable mobility equipment. We aim to help them function in their local community and society in general.

“There are many people trapped at home waiting to receive various types of equipment.

“Refurbishing equipment to a high standard is essential to close the gap in the waiting list, so these people can regain their mobility and get out into the community once again.

“To date, we have recycled and repaired over 28,000 pieces of equipment and helped train more than 300 disabled and disadvantaged young people; helping both the community and environment.”

Brighter Future Workshop Ltd. trains young people with disabilities to repair and service mobility equipment, thus providing them with a purpose and opportunities that may not have been readily available. This equipment is then sold through their shops in Skelmersdale and Ormskirk, also through their online store; all proceeds from the sales are then invested back into their workshop.

If you have any equipment that you would like to donate to the Brighter Future Workshop Ltd, please contact them to arrange for it to be collected on 01695 724 361 or email sales@bfworkshop.com.

Pictured yesterday at the Ormskirk site are technician Allan Baker and 80-year-old volunteer Bill Sixsmith of Aughton.

*It does not accept NHS owned wheelchairs, etc.