Appeal for unwanted mobility equipment

The equipment ranges from hospital grade beds and wheelchairs, to crutches and perching stools

Residents have been urged to return unneeded mobility equipment as a council hopes to support more people.

Gloucestershire County Council (GCC), in partnership with the NHS, run the Gloucestershire Equipment Loan Service (GELS), which lends free equipment to people for as long as they need it.

Residents currently return about £500,000 worth equipment each month, which ranges from hospital grade beds and wheelchairs, to crutches and perching stools.

Cabinet member for adult social care councillor Stephan Fifield said: "Your equipment can make a big difference."

“It is really easy to return equipment you no longer need.

"There are multiple drop-off points across the county, including libraries for smaller items," he added.

Free collections

People can also arrange free collections from their homes during working hours, Monday to Friday.

Bosses at GELS believe there could be more equipment that is being left unused in people's homes, which could be helping more residents.

Once handed back, the equipment is cleaned and fully refurbished before being loaned elsewhere. Anything damaged beyond repair is recycled.

Equipment can be returned at multiple locations around the county, including at libraries in Charlton Kings, Lydney, Prestbury, Newent and Wotton-under-Edge.