The service, which opened on November 1, aims to fill a gap left by the closure of Cambridge British Red Cross Mobility Aids and will address an ongoing need for affordable mobility aids.
The team is based at Shelford Rugby Club.
The British Red Cross shut its Cambridge Mobility Aids branch on Newmarket Road in August 2024, transitioning to an online-only system that limits equipment offerings to wheelchairs.
The closure left a void in the supply of other critical mobility aids such as rollators, walking aids, and toilet equipment. Prior to its closure, the branch served around 30–40 weekly inquiries, many of which came from Addenbrooke’s Hospital seeking equipment for patients awaiting discharge.
To continue this vital support, four dedicated volunteers came together to form CB Mobility Support. The new service will operate in South Cambridgeshire and surrounding areas.
Councillor Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “CB Mobility Support is stepping up to fill an essential role for our residents. We’re incredibly proud of these volunteers, who are putting their time, skills, and dedication into making sure our community members have access to vital mobility aids. Initiatives like this are what make our community stronger and more resilient and we are delighted that we can support them with money from our Community Chest fund.”
The £2,000 grant funding was agreed in a meeting of the District’s Grant Advisory Committee.
Shelford Rugby Club will host the service, providing an office space and an area for a large 6 x 2 metres shipping container - courtesy of Cambridge City Council - for equipment storage.
Jo Hutchings, one of the founders of CB Mobility Support, said: “We’re passionate about ensuring that no one goes without the essential mobility equipment they need. With so many people impacted by the closure of the Red Cross branch, it’s clear there’s a critical need to continue this service within our community.”
To kickstart the service, CB Mobility Support will receive £2,000 from the District Council’s Community Chest fund, to help fund the secure concrete base for the storage container.
The project is estimated to cost £4,635 to set up, and the group is seeking additional funding through grants and a potential £2,000 start-up loan to cover the shortfall.
The group has also been supported by Shelford Rugby Club, Red Graphic in Sawston, Scotsdales Nursery and Bidwells in Trumpington.
The volunteer group will charge modest fees for equipment, such as £30 - £40 for rollators and £10 per week for toilet seats, which helps cover ongoing costs while keeping the service accessible.
With anticipated future demand of 20 to 30 weekly inquiries, the group projects an initial income of around £400 per month, which could grow to £1,500 monthly with increased publicity.
In addition to operating independently from the NHS and NRS Healthcare, CB Mobility Support will provide flexible, short-term equipment loans.
- For more information or to support the initiative, please contact CB Mobility Support at 07731 403769.
- Check out all the grants available from South Cambridgeshire District Council.
Image: Dr Nick Irish Mrs Gaynor Farrant Mrs Jo Hutchings and David Farrant
