COMMUNITY groups in East Lancashire cater for all kinds of people and situations. But those who are not affected themselves often have problems understanding why help is needed.

For groups dealing with physical disabilities this is a particular problem. Husband and wife team Richard and Pat Day have run Accrington Shopmobility since 2000.

Donna McKenzie spoke to Richard about the difficulties they and their customers regularly experience...

MOVING from one side of Broadway in Accrington town centre to the other is a relatively simple procedure -- unless you have mobility problems and have to make the journey in a wheelchair or motorised scooter.

Richard said: "Once you turn into Broadway you become invisible. People walk out in front of you because they say they don't see you.

"Able-bodied people just do not understand the problems those with physical disabilities face every single day.

"This is an issue with a lot of community groups too. It is difficult to get the message across to people who do not have a direct interest."

Last year, the pair issued a challenge to Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe to complete a course around Accrington town centre in a wheelchair. Similar challenges were set for two more councillors using other mobility aids.

All three came up against difficulties with raised kerbs, uneven pavements and poorly positioned posts.

Richard said: "Peter, especially, picked up on a lot of things but we have these problems every day.

"Getting around both at home and outside can be a real ordeal and there are not enough sources of help and information available."

When the couple first experienced problems themselves with the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, there was little assistance available. "There was the Citizens' Advice Bureau and Welfare Rights but none of them are run by disabled people," Richard explained, "Unless you are disabled yourself there is no way you can understand."

In the absence of other help, Richard and Pat now provide a number of services for the disabled and their carers from the Whalley Road base.

The registered charity's primary service is the provision of scooters and wheelchairs for a small donation so disabled shoppers can park in the town and shop.

Other services include the sale of mobility aids, giving advice on benefit entitlements and how to claim and a facility for group meetings.

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