Guildford ShopMobility has reopened with support from Guildford Borough Council and Experience Guildford.

A petition was launched which quickly gathered support from the local community. It was clear to the campaign team that the closure of this service was not something that anyone, especially Guildford Borough Council, were in favour of. Looking for anoperator to support the service led them to Experience Guildford who gave the exact supportthey required.

Amanda Masters CEO of Experience Guildford said: Experience Guildford is delighted to support the reopening of Guildford ShopMobility, the town centre service helping people with mobility issues get around Guildford with confidence. “It’s been a challenging few months, and we’re grateful for the support of Guildford Borough Council in getting us to this point, there will be further challenges ahead to secure the service’s future but we feel ready to address these. The excellent team running it is unchanged and ready to welcome users, old and new, as we work to ensure Guildford is once againaccessible to all.

“Remember, this service is for anyone with mobility issues, whether permanent or temporary. The support from the local community has been amazing, and we ask you all to continue supporting us as we build and expand the service.”

Cllr Carla Morson, Lead Councillor for Community Services at Guildford Borough Council, says: “This is fantastic news for our community. Shopmobility helps people access our town centre, stay connected and maintain theirindependence, and we know how much the service means to those who rely on it.

“Guildford Borough Council has always recognised the importance of Shopmobility and has continued to provide funding for the service. Sadly, it was forced to close when its previous provider was no longer able to operate it.

“We are delighted that Experience Guildford has stepped forward to help reopen the scheme and ensure this valued service remains available to residents and visitors who need it. To support the relaunch and give the service the strongest possible foundation, we’ve committed a full year’s funding.

“Making our town centre accessible and inclusive is something we, our partners and our community care deeply about. We’re pleased that a solution has been found, and proud to have worked with Experience Guildford and others to help make this happen.”

Guildford ShopMobility had a soft reopening on 21st September 2026 with a rebrand and an energised team to take it forward. We will work hard to make sure the service is ‘Future Fit’. Our official opening event took place today Friday 2nd October 2026 with special guests and local dignitaries. .**

Moving forwards these are ways you can help: ● Donate via our JustGiving fundraiser to help upgrade the fleet of scooters and power wheelchairs. ● Volunteer expertise — if you have legal, financial or fundraising experience, we’d welcome your help in our bid to secure Charitable status. ● Donate equipment — if you have mobility scooters or wheelchairs no longer needed and in good working order why not donate to our service. ● Sponsor the service - we always need help with updating equipment & replacing batteries. Why not request more information on how you could support ShopMobiity. ● Sponsor a scooter - full social media support and levels of support

Guildford ShopMobility operates from Bedford Road Car Park, Level 3, GU1 4SA. To access the service you need to use the Laundry Road entrance close to the law courts. No referral is needed and you do not need to be a blue badge holder to use the service.

Parking is free to users of the service and at the point of scooter pick up. Access to the town centre is via the bridge to the Friary Centre. Shopmobility is a community service that provides short-term loans of wheelchairs and mobility scooters to help people with restricted mobility visit shops, town centres, and leisure facilities.

Each centre is run as a separate unit but most are members of ShopMobility UK part of Driving Mobility. The Guildford service also offers off site hire of wheelchairs and travel scooters. This could be for a holiday or to help with an injury that affects mobility such as a broken ankle or for someone waiting for surgery.

To keep up with the progress of this service you can follow us here: FaceBook / Instagram @guildfordshopmobility Website (in production ) guildfordshopmobility.co.uk Email the team [email protected]