Shopmobility Renfrewshire has become the first centre in Scotland to win a top UK award.
The Tom Hillier Award, named after the founder of the National Federation of Shopmobility (NFSUK) who died in 1991, is awarded in recognition of a local Shopmobility Centre that has been particularly helpful and effective.
The award is open to all Shopmobility Centres across the UK, with nominations coming from the people who use the centres.
One of Shopmobility Renfrewshire key volunteers, Tommy Higgins, travelled down to Birmingham with his wife to collect the award on behalf of the charity.
Cllr Kenny MacLaren, Chairperson of Shopmobility Renfrewshire said: “We knew we were in the running for the Tom Hillier Award but were excited and humbled to become the first Shopmobility Centre in Scotland to win this UK award.”
Tommy Higgins said: “It’s absolute first for Scotland and we’re incredibly proud to bring this to Renfrewshire.”
Karen Millar, Shopmobility Renfrewshire’s Office Manager and Fundraising Officer said: “Exciting times are ahead as we continue our development plus it helps enforce the positive message that we’re doing a great job helping those with mobility challenges and disabilities across Renfrewshire, with human rights and equalities at the heart of our business.
“We would like to thank everyone, our networks, staff, partners, volunteers and those organisations which support us like Horizon Car Parks in Paisley.
“It’s been a challenging journey for sure to be respected enough and win this award. As we all know mobility disabilities are real and not invisible – let’s keep it that way. Hopefully we will have started the long cultural journey to break down barriers creating equality and human rights for those with mobility challenges and disabilities – many who live in poverty.”
Headline image: Tommy Higgins
Photo Credit: Shopmobility Renfrewshire