Services

The DIB offers support to people with disabilities, their families, and carers to help them understand and access the welfare benefits they may be entitled to.

For example:

Personal Support – our team listens to each person’s situation and gives advice tailored to them, rather than a “one size fits all” answer.

Benefit Advice and Guidance – we explain what benefits are available, who can claim them, and how they work

Form Filling Support – we help people complete benefit application forms, which can often be long and confusing.

Appeals and Challenges – if you have been refused a benefit, the bureau can help you challenge the decision or go through the appeals process, if appropriate

Up-to-Date Information – we keep track of changes in the law and benefit system so people get accurate and current advice

DIB coaches help people build confidence and improve their independence. They offer advice and activities to support mental health, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem. Support can include learning new skills for daily life, setting personal goals, and finding ways to stay active and connected to others in your community.

Support into employment

DIB helps people prepare for work if they want to find a job or get back into employment. Coaches give advice on writing CVs, applying for jobs, and preparing for interviews. They can also guide clients towards training, volunteering, or work placements to build skills and confidence. The focus is on finding a volunteering role or work that suits each person’s abilities and needs.

DIB coaches help people build confidence and improve their independence. They offer advice and activities to support mental health, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem. Support can include learning new skills for daily life, setting personal goals, and finding ways to stay active and connected to others in in your community.

Support into employment

DIB helps people prepare for work if they want to find a job or get back into employment. Coaches give advice on writing CVs, applying for jobs, and preparing for interviews. They can also guide clients towards training, volunteering, or work placements to build skills and confidence. The focus is on finding a volunteering role or work that suits each person’s abilities and needs.

Macclesfield Shopmobility is operated by The Disability Information Bureau on behalf of Cheshire East Council. You can hire motorised scooters and manual wheelchairs to help you get around the town. We are located close to the central shopping area and we have a small car park with disabled parking space, accessible by taxis. We are also on the Flexilink bus route, which makes it easier for some people to access our service. For further information just give us a call or email us at shopmobility@dibservices.org.uk

Prices from 1st April 2025:

There is an annual membership of £25.00 for scooters and electric wheelchair users and then a daily hire rate: 

Members – £1 for the first 2 hours and a £1 for each hour after 

Visitors (Non-Members) – £10 per day 

The cost to hire a manual wheelchair:

£20 refundable cash deposit

Daily rate of £2.50, weekly rate of £10.00

Weight Limits: Our manual wheelchairs have a strict weight limit of 18 stone. 

Most of our scooters have a 20 stone weight limit, however we have two scooters that have a weight limit of 25 stone. We are unable to offer the use of equipment if you are over the limit of the equipment available on the day. Should you require the use of one of the two 25 stone scooters it is important that you book in advance. If you have any concerns about possible overloading of the vehicles, please contact us. 

Registration: Our equipment is available to be used by all adults with mobility issues, subject to the completion of the registration process and the production of 2 pieces of ID (one of which needs to have a photo). 

As part of the registration process, all customers will be given training on the safe use of the equipment until they can demonstrate their competence to use the equipment. The registration process can take around 30 minutes so please allow for this on your first visit and during the user renewal period.

RADAR Keys: 

You can also purchase RADAR keys from us which are used for accessing disabled public toilets. The RADAR key allows you to make use of around 9,000 fully accessible toilets across the UK in various locations such as supermarkets, public houses, parks and shopping precincts. 

Keys cost £4.00 and can be purchased by yourself, or by someone on your behalf, upon signing a declaration of entitlement (to confirm that you have a disability and are eligible to use RADAR keys and disabled toilets). We can provide a large-handled key if needed. Keys can be bought from Shopmobility and payment can be made by cash or card. 

You can also purchase RADAR keys from us which are used for accessing disabled public toilets. The RADAR key allows you to make use of around 9,000 fully accessible toilets across the UK in various locations such as supermarkets, public houses, parks and shopping precincts. 

Keys cost £4.00 and can be purchased by yourself, or by someone on your behalf, upon signing a declaration of entitlement (to confirm that you have a disability and are eligible to use RADAR keys and disabled toilets). We can provide a large-handled key if needed. Keys can be bought from Shopmobility and payment can be made by cash or card. 

We have large meeting rooms and 3 small rooms for hire. Please contact Reception@dibservices.org.uk for more information. 

Shopmobility: 

• 1 Meeting room set out boardroom style for 12 people – £15 p/h 
• 2 small rooms for 1-2-1 meetings or hotdesking – £10 p/h 

Facilities Available:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Accessible toilets
• Kitchen facilities
• Lift access
• Car parking (subject to availability)

Resource Centre: 

1 small room for 3 people/hotdesking – £10 p/h 

1 meeting room set out boardroom style for 12 people – £15 p/h