10/02/2022
Navigating bustling shopping centres can present a significant challenge for individuals with mobility limitations. The desire for independence and the simple pleasure of a day out should never be hindered. This is where the Forge Shopping Centre Shop Mobility Scheme, proudly offered by Blue Sky Mobility, steps in to provide a lifeline of accessibility and convenience. If you're wondering how long a membership lasts, you've come to the right place. Let's delve into the details of this invaluable service, ensuring you have all the information needed to enjoy your shopping experience to the fullest.
Blue Sky Mobility, a dedicated family-run business, understands the importance of accessible living. Beyond their comprehensive range of mobility products and home visit services, they are committed to enhancing community access through initiatives like the Forge Shop Mobility Scheme. At its heart, this scheme is designed to empower you by providing temporary access to essential mobility equipment, allowing you to explore the Forge Shopping Centre and its surrounding areas with ease and independence.
- Understanding Your Membership: How Long Does It Last?
- Exploring the Membership Tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold
- Non-Members: Daily Hire Options
- Important Terms and Conditions of Hire: Ensuring Safety and Responsibility
- Beyond Shop Mobility: Blue Sky Mobility's Comprehensive Services
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: How long does a Forge Shop Mobility membership last?
- Q: What types of equipment can I borrow with a membership?
- Q: Are there different membership levels available?
- Q: What happens if I use the equipment outside the designated area for my membership tier?
- Q: Can non-members hire equipment?
- Q: Is the membership fee refundable?
- Q: What if I accidentally damage the equipment?
- Q: What other services does Blue Sky Mobility provide?
- Conclusion
Understanding Your Membership: How Long Does It Last?
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Forge Shop Mobility Scheme is about the duration of membership. The answer is straightforward: a Forge Shop Mobility membership lasts for a full 12 months from the date of purchase. It's important to note that all memberships are non-refundable, so it's worth considering your needs and usage patterns before committing to a specific tier. This annual structure provides consistent, reliable access to equipment, making regular visits to the shopping centre stress-free and enjoyable.
This 12-month period offers fantastic value, especially for frequent visitors. It removes the hassle of daily payments and ensures that your chosen mobility aid is readily available whenever you decide to pop to the shops, meet friends for a coffee, or simply browse the latest offerings. Think of it as your annual pass to effortless mobility within the Forge and beyond, depending on your chosen membership level.
Exploring the Membership Tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold
The Forge Shop Mobility Scheme offers three distinct membership tiers – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – each tailored to different levels of usage and geographical reach. This flexibility ensures that you can select the option that best suits your individual requirements, whether you're planning a quick visit or a more extended exploration.
Bronze Scheme: Your Essential Access
The Bronze Scheme is the entry-level option, perfect for those who require mobility assistance for shorter periods within the Forge Shopping Centre itself. For a yearly fee of £40, which equates to approximately 80 pence per week, members can borrow any available equipment for a maximum of 4 hours. This duration is typically ample for a focused shopping trip or a leisurely browse. Should your visit extend beyond 4 hours, an additional charge of £2 per hour applies. It's crucial to remember that the Bronze Scheme is strictly limited to the Forge Shopping Centre. Any use outside this designated area will result in immediate membership cancellation without a refund, and you will be liable for any damages.
Silver Scheme: Extended Freedom
For those who plan on spending a bit more time at the Forge, the Silver Scheme offers enhanced flexibility. Priced at £75 per year, or a remarkably affordable £1.45 per week, this tier allows you to borrow equipment for a maximum of 8 hours. This extended period provides ample time for a more comprehensive shopping excursion, a meal, or enjoying various amenities within the centre. Similar to the Bronze Scheme, the Silver membership is strictly confined to the Forge Shopping Centre. Veering outside this boundary will lead to the same severe penalties, including cancellation and liability for damages.
Gold Scheme: Unrestricted Exploration (within limits)
The Gold Scheme is designed for the most active users who wish to explore beyond the immediate confines of the shopping centre. At £120 per year, or approximately £2.31 per week, the Gold membership offers the greatest freedom. Members can utilise equipment for up to 8 hours, and crucially, their permitted area extends as far as the Forge Market and Retail Park. This means you can easily transition from the shopping centre to the vibrant market or access the retail park without concern. The Gold Scheme provides significant convenience for those who wish to make the most of their visit to the wider Forge area.
Here’s a comparative look at the membership options:
| Membership Tier | Annual Fee | Weekly Equivalent (Approx.) | Max Borrow Time | Permitted Area | Additional Hourly Charge (after max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | £40 | £0.80 | 4 hours | Forge Shopping Centre ONLY | £2 per hour |
| Silver | £75 | £1.45 | 8 hours | Forge Shopping Centre ONLY | N/A (8 hours max) |
| Gold | £120 | £2.31 | 8 hours | Forge Shopping Centre, Forge Market & Retail Park | N/A (8 hours max) |
Non-Members: Daily Hire Options
For individuals who only require mobility equipment on an infrequent basis, or perhaps for a one-off visit, the Forge Shop Mobility Scheme also offers a daily hire rate for non-members. This provides a flexible alternative to annual membership, ensuring that everyone can access the necessary support when needed.
Non-members are required to pay a £50 deposit, which is fully refundable upon the safe return of the equipment. In addition to the deposit, the daily rates are as follows:
- £6 for up to 4 hours of use.
- £10 for a full day's use.
This option is ideal for tourists, visitors from out of town, or local residents who only occasionally need a mobility aid for their shopping trips. It offers peace of mind without the commitment of an annual membership, ensuring accessibility remains open to all.
Important Terms and Conditions of Hire: Ensuring Safety and Responsibility
To ensure the safety of all users, other shoppers, and the equipment itself, Blue Sky Mobility has established clear terms and conditions for hiring equipment. Adhering to these rules is paramount for a smooth and enjoyable experience and to maintain your membership privileges.
Key Responsibilities of the Hirer:
- Care and Attention: All equipment must be used with due care and attention, maintaining a walking pace and avoiding excessive speed.
- Road Use: Equipment should not be used on the road, apart from crossing it safely.
- Seat Belts: If equipment is fitted with a seat belt, wearing it is a personal choice, but its presence is noted.
- Personal Responsibility: Hirers take full responsibility for the consequences of their actions while using the equipment.
- Weight Restrictions: Be aware of and adhere to the weight restrictions of the borrowed equipment. Exceeding this is the hirer's responsibility.
- Kerb Navigation: Only dropped kerbs or very low kerbs should be used, avoiding angled descents.
- Security: Always remove the key when leaving a scooter unattended.
- Sole Operator: Only the hirer is permitted to operate the equipment; carrying passengers is strictly forbidden.
- Loading: Avoid overloading handlebars with bags or placing handbag straps over the steering column in a way that obstructs controls.
- Geographical Limits: Do not take the scooter or wheelchair outside the permitted City Centre/Forge area without prior permission from Shopmobility Staff. This is particularly vital for Bronze and Silver members due to the strict liability clauses.
- Substance Use: Equipment must not be used under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs.
- Conduct: Abusive behaviour or causing distress to staff, volunteers, or the public is unacceptable.
- Accident Reporting: Any accident or damage, no matter how minor, must be reported immediately upon return of the equipment. Details such as names, addresses, injuries, place, and time of the incident should be provided.
- Repeated Damage: Shopmobility Durham (as the broader scheme operator) reserves the right to restrict use if equipment is repeatedly damaged.
The strict liability clause for Bronze and Silver schemes cannot be overstated. If a user on these schemes ventures outside the Forge Shopping Centre, their membership will be cancelled immediately with no refund, and they will be held liable for any damage to the equipment or any third party encountered. This underscores the importance of understanding and respecting the designated usage zones for each membership tier. These rules are in place not to restrict enjoyment, but to ensure the safety and longevity of the equipment for all users.
Beyond Shop Mobility: Blue Sky Mobility's Comprehensive Services
While the Forge Shop Mobility Scheme provides a fantastic short-term solution for accessibility, Blue Sky Mobility's expertise extends much further. As a family-run business, they pride themselves on offering a wide array of products and services designed to enhance daily living and promote independence, often through convenient home visits.
Their extensive product range includes:
- Cosyfeet Stockist (comfortable footwear)
- Mobility Scooters and Wheelchairs (for purchase, hire, and servicing)
- Adjustable Beds and Mattresses (for enhanced comfort and support)
- Stairlifts (professional installation and maintenance)
- Riser Recliner Chairs (for ease of movement and relaxation)
- Walking Aids (frames, sticks, rollators)
- Daily Living Aids (various tools to assist with everyday tasks)
- Ramps (for improved home accessibility)
- Health and Wellbeing Products
- Mobility Scooter Servicing and Hire (long-term solutions)
- Other Mobility Equipment and Products
Furthermore, Blue Sky Mobility offers bespoke foam products, custom-made to meet individual requirements. This commitment to personalised solutions truly sets them apart, demonstrating their dedication to supporting their customers' unique needs. Whether you're considering a long-term mobility solution or simply need a helping hand for a shopping trip, Blue Sky Mobility is a trusted partner in promoting a more accessible and comfortable life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does a Forge Shop Mobility membership last?
A: A Forge Shop Mobility membership lasts for 12 months from the date of purchase. Please note that all memberships are non-refundable.
Q: What types of equipment can I borrow with a membership?
A: Members can borrow a mobility scooter, powerchair, wheelchair, forearm walker, rollator, or tri walker, subject to availability.
Q: Are there different membership levels available?
A: Yes, there are three tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, each offering different durations of use and permitted geographical areas, as well as varying annual fees.
Q: What happens if I use the equipment outside the designated area for my membership tier?
A: For Bronze and Silver members, using equipment outside the Forge Shopping Centre will result in immediate membership cancellation with no refund. You will also be liable for any damage to the equipment or any third party. Gold members have a wider permitted area, extending to the Forge Market and Retail Park.
Q: Can non-members hire equipment?
A: Yes, non-members can hire equipment at a daily rate. There's a £50 refundable deposit plus £6 for 4 hours or £10 for the day.
Q: Is the membership fee refundable?
A: No, all Forge Shop Mobility memberships are non-refundable.
Q: What if I accidentally damage the equipment?
A: You are responsible for using the equipment with due care. Any accident or damage, no matter how small, must be reported immediately upon return. In cases of significant damage or repeated incidents, Shopmobility Durham may restrict your future use.
Q: What other services does Blue Sky Mobility provide?
A: Blue Sky Mobility offers a wide range of products and services including mobility scooters, wheelchairs, adjustable beds, stairlifts, riser recliner chairs, walking aids, daily living aids, ramps, health and wellbeing products, and bespoke foam products, often with home visits.
Conclusion
The Forge Shopping Centre Shop Mobility Scheme, powered by Blue Sky Mobility, is an essential service for enhancing accessibility and enjoyment for many. With memberships lasting a full 12 months, and flexible tiers like Bronze, Silver, and Gold, individuals can choose the level of freedom that best suits their needs. Whether you're a regular shopper or an occasional visitor, understanding the membership duration, the terms of hire, and the benefits of each option will ensure a seamless and independent experience. Blue Sky Mobility's commitment to supporting mobility extends far beyond the Forge, offering a comprehensive range of products and services designed to improve quality of life. Embrace the freedom and convenience that awaits you at the Forge Shopping Centre, knowing you're supported by dedicated professionals.
If you want to read more articles similar to Forge Shop Mobility: Your Guide to Lasting Freedom, you can visit the Taxis category.