Emily, the Community Health Engagement Officer (CHEO) for Hampshire & Isle of Wight NHS Wheelchair Service, reached out to Hampshire RoamAbility via their facebook page to enquire further about their rambles and what they can provide for wheelchair users.

Read more about their recent ramble around Gosport:

"Rambles take place all around Hampshire and I recently joined the group for one of their rambles around Gosport so that I can share the experience with our service users who may be interested in joining. 

Hampshire RoamAbility go out together as they feel this it is safer in a group and with companions. Whilst out on the ramble they informed me they always keep a puncture repair kit, first aid kit, tow rope (as they have towed each other before) and a spare radar key for use with disabled toilets, and WD40 (which I'm told comes in handy with the radar key).

The group were very welcoming, very organised, and well prepared and I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with everyone at Hampshire RoamAbility group for my first ever ramble experience. I have invited Mave and Di to a future service user forum in 2025 to talk further about Hampshire RoamAbility."

If you’d like to hear more about Hampshire Roamability, come to the forum. The next forum is on Tuesday 28^th January 2025 12pm – 1pm available on MS Teams or in person at the Chandlers Ford service centre in Hampshire.

Emily Galton 
CHEO for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wheelchair Service  

---

About Hampshire RoamAbility

We ramble regularly throughout the year, mainly in Hampshire and neighbouring counties, making particular use of the New Forest National Park and coastal areas.

Hampshire RoamAbility organises social events and encourages members to be actively involved.

We campaign to improve access to the countryside. We share known accessible routes, so we can get barriers removed. RoamAbility is a local group for people who want to ramble – either walking or using mobility scooters. 

Some rambles are suitable for medium size scooters and heavy-duty electric wheelchairs, others are for large all terrain scooters only.

Rambles are typically about 5 to 10 miles. 

The locations are selected for their interest and absence of man-made obstructions such as stiles, tight kissing gates, steps, and narrow bridges.

Rambles are graded by difficulty, to enable you to decide whether they are suitable for you.

Walkers and experienced ramblers with or without a disability are very welcome to join us, as are families and friends.

You will need to be able to get yourself and your scooter to the start and cover the distance at a reasonable walking pace.

We can also help with advice on buying and transporting suitable scooters. 

For more information and to join us on a ramble please contact Di:

Tel: 01794 501705