Closure of ShopMobility

Published on 13 May 2026 03:32 PM

We have taken the difficult decision to close our ShopMobility service, based in Bedford Car Park, Guildford. The last day of business is Friday, 12^th June 2026.

This decision is a result of the significant financial challenges faced by both our charity and the wider sector throughout 2025–26, which are projected to continue into the current year.

We understand this will be upsetting news for our clients, their families, and carers. We want to express our sincere gratitude for the dedicated support provided by our ShopMobility team over many years, as well as the ongoing partnership with Guildford Borough Council.

News Update:

Supporting older people and those in need is at the very core of everything we do. Age UK Surrey provides several services of support and care for older people across Surrey via our dedicated staff and volunteers.

Age UK Surrey services range from offering impartial and confidential information & advice, to befriending to ensure that older people are not lonely, to our dementia support services to help families with a recent diagnosis.

The decision to close ShopMobility was extremely difficult and not taken lightly. The main reason for the closure of this important service is because Age UK Surrey received no increase in funding from Guildford Borough Council or guarantee that funding would continue for the whole year.

Since our first announcement of ShopMobility's closure, there have been articles in the press that refer to a “most recent” annual grant of £44,000 alongside an additional £22,000, but does not clarify the time periods these relate to.

This creates the impression that Age UK Surrey received the £22,000 on top of a full annual grant for 2026–27. In reality, the £44,000 relates to the 2025–26 financial year, while the £22,000 was a one-off, six-month grant for the first part of 2026–27. We were subsequently informed that no further funding would be provided for the remainder of 2026-2027, making it financially unviable for us to continue delivering the service.

We fully understand the frustration and sadness felt across the community, and we are deeply disappointed that the funding needed to continue this service was not secured. However, given the significant financial pressures facing both our charity and the wider sector, we are no longer able to sustain a service that is operating at a deficit. Over the past year, we have seen a reduction in income from trusts and foundations, as well as declines in other funding streams, including public funding, which has led directly to this most difficult of decisions.

We are optimistic, based on the latest news, that Guildford Borough Council might be able to continue to run ShopMobility in partnership with other organisations. We know how vital this service is to so many in our community. Age UK Surrey is very grateful to all our staff for their years of dedication and to those who have supported us while we managed the service for 30 years. We are encouraged to see the community coming together to save ShopMobility in Guildford, and we are hopeful it will continue under new management to help people stay connected.