Residents urged to ‘Hand it Back’ to help others stay independent

The call comes as the Gloucestershire Equipment Loan Service (GELS) continues to support thousands of people across the county with essential items that help them live safely and independently at home.

GELS provides equipment such as walking aids, hospital beds and shower chairs to residents following an assessment by a healthcare professional. This helps people recover after illness, avoid hospital admissions and maintain their independence.

In April alone, the service delivered 5,590 items and collected 4,511, reaching more than 3,100 individual customers. Thousands of items were also cleaned, refurbished and returned to stock, ready to be reused by others.

Returning equipment when it is no longer needed plays a crucial role in keeping the service running. In April, more than 5,400 items were returned from the community, with a total value of over £730,000. These items can now be redeployed quickly to support others.

The council is highlighting its ‘Hand it Back’ message through a new campaign video, reminding residents how simple it is to arrange a return or find a local drop-off point.

Cllr Dr Kate Usmar, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Support and Independence at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This equipment makes a real difference to people’s lives, helping them stay independent and recover safely at home.

“When it’s no longer needed, returning it means we can quickly clean, refurbish and pass it on to someone else who needs it.

“It’s a simple step that helps us support more people across Gloucestershire and make the best use of public money. Every item handed back really does help us to help others.”

Residents can find out more about the service, including how to return equipment, on the council’s website. For more information, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/contact/gloucestershire-equipment-loan-service.