Published: 19/02/2008 00:00 - Updated: 05/02/2010 13:02

New service to help people to shop

John Jevons

PEOPLE who struggle to get to the shops are already making use of a new service.

The Nuneaton and Bedworth Volunteer Centre has introduced a new Supported Shopping Service for older and disabled shoppers.

Sue Palanganda, the volunteer centre's chief officer, said: "It has been very well received and we have already had letters of thanks.''

For a small fee, people who might otherwise have to rely on others for their weekly shop can do it themselves.

Each Wednesday they can be picked up by a mini-bus, on request, from their own doorstep and taken shopping.

A volunteer will push a shopper's wheelchair if necessary, assist with the shopping and carry it back to their home.

"Not only does it enable older and disabled people to lead an independent life, it also helps them to socialise and make new friends," said Sue Palanganda.

There are already plans to alternate the area the mini-bus covers and to expand the trips to places like the shopping centre at the Ricoh Arena.

Three year funding from Lloyds TSB has enabled the service to be launched and anyone who wants to book a shopping trip can telephone 024 7631 5824.