Drive Ability North West

10/09/2026

💚 Today is World Su***de Prevention Day 💚

One conversation. One message. One act of kindness. 🫶🏼

A reminder that a simple conversation can make a life-changing difference. 💡

You never know what someone may be going through, so take a moment to check in with friends, family, colleagues, and loved ones. 🤝

Let's remind people that they are valued, supported, and never alone. 🥰

If you're finding things difficult, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support is always available!

📞
Mind: 0300 102 1234
Samaritans: 116 123
CALM: 0800 58 58 58
NHS: 111 option 2

***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention 💚

07/08/2026

🚗💙 Annual Driving Review with Lynne 💙🚗

This week, we were delighted to welcome Lynne back to Drive Ability North West for her annual review of her driving safety.

Following her diagnosis of dementia in 2024, Lynne has continued to demonstrate a positive and proactive approach to managing her driving. Regular reviews help ensure that drivers remain safe, confident, and independent for as long as possible.

A diagnosis of dementia does not automatically mean an individual has to stop driving. Our assessments provide valuable information and reassurance for drivers, their families, and healthcare professionals.

Following her successful assessment with us this week, we asked Lynne what advice she would give others who may need to visit us, she said;

"The whole set up is designed to allow you to perform at your best"

👏 Well done, Lynne, and thank you for visiting us this week and for your lovely feedback.

22/07/2026

🧠 World Brain Day (22nd July 2026) 🧠

Today focuses on neurological conditions and brain health and access to the right support! 🤝

🚗 Driving can be more challenging with a neurological condition, but Drive Ability North West can help to provide assessment, advice and recommendations suited to your condition and needs.

Our friendly team of Occupational Therapists and Approved Driving Instructors are here to assess your safety and support your independence by exploring safe and comfortable driving solutions. 😊

We can:
✅ Assess driving safety
✅ Offer a review service for those with progressive conditions and changing abilities/ needs
✅ Explore adaptations for vehicle control and driver/ passenger access for those with physical impairment
✅ Explore solutions to help with managing symptoms such as pain and fatigue

If you or someone you know has a neurological condition and may benefit from an assessment, get in touch with us!

📞 0300 300 1100

Post credit to our OT student, Laura!

20/07/2026

🚨 📧 We have a new email address‼️ 📧 🚨

From today onwards, please use the email below to contact us 😊

[email protected]

Thank you! 🤩

Other contact info if needed:

🏡193 Newton Road, St Helens, WA9 2JR.

📞 0300 300 1100

19/06/2026

🥳 ✨ Feel Good Friday! ✨ 🥳

Congratulations to Michelle who was successful with her fitness to drive assessment today!! 🤩🎉

Michelle attended Drive Ability North West following a stroke. She completed a period of recommended tuition for confidence building and to support with a graded return to driving to achieve this positive outcome! ✅

Michelle felt some frustration when she did not immediately achieve her goal of returning to driving but stated “it was all worth it in the end”. The additional driving practice and support has made her feel more confident and ready to return to driving! 🚘 👏🏼

The team would like to say well done and wish Michelle all the best! 🫶🏼

02/06/2026

As we leave behind May and Stroke Awareness Month 💜 here is a little reminder that we are here all year round to offer driving support and assessment after a stroke 💟

Did you know? 🤔
* Stroke affects around 100,000 people in the UK every year
* Stroke can cause a range of physical 💪🏼 , visual 👁️ , communicative 🗣️ and cognitive 💭 impairments that may impact a person's driving ability 🚗
* Seeking professional assessment and advice is important when thinking about returning to driving after a stroke 🤝

How can our Driving Assessment Centre help you or a loved one after a stroke? 🚘

✅ Friendly team of Occupational Therapists & Approved Driving Instructors to offer driving assessment, advice and practical solutions
✅ Provide assessment of driving safety after a stroke
✅ Support a graded return to driving including rebuilding confidence
✅ Explore vehicle adaptations for those with physical impairment
✅ Provide guidance on the legal requirements for driving post-stroke
�🚨 Always remember the signs of a stroke and think F.A.S.T.‼️
F: Face - has their face or mouth drooped on one side?
A: Arms - can they raise both arms?
S: Speech - is their speech slurred?
T: Time - if you see any of these signs or suspect a stroke, call an ambulance immediately!

Post credit to our OT student, Alex!! 😀

01/06/2026

🚗 Monday Motivation 🚗

😊 Some lovely feedback below from a client who visited us recently for an adaption assessment!

“A great experience at DANW during my driving assessment. The assessment team were patient, supportive, and incredibly knowledgeable. The assessment gave me reassurance and confidence about my driving and the options available to help.”

If you’re unsure how a disability or health condition may be affecting your driving, it’s worth getting checked. Sometimes a small adaptation can make driving safer, easier, and more enjoyable.

🤩Great work as always from the DANW team!

27/05/2026

Well done Si!! 👏🏼

A great win for team DANW 🏆🤩

Congratulations to Simon Gregory from our Drive Ability North West Team on winning the Rising Star Award at the Driving Mobility Awards 👏

The awards evening is part of a national conference that brings together centres and partner organisations from across the UK to recognise the achievements of staff delivering Driving Mobility and ShopMobility services, and to share learning about the future of safe, independent mobility.

Well done Simon 👏

22/05/2026

💙 Yesterday, we proudly attended the Dementia Action Week event at St Helens Town Hall in support of the incredible work being carried out by the Alzheimer’s Society 💙

▪️Dementia Action Week is all about raising awareness, encouraging understanding, and helping people affected by dementia access the support they need.

▪️At Drive Ability North West, we are passionate about supporting individuals to maintain independence, mobility, and quality of life for as long as possible.

Did you know:

🧠 Every 3 minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia

🧠 1 in 3 people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime

🧠 Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer

This year’s Alzheimer’s Society campaign also highlights the importance of early diagnosis, with around 1 in 3 people living with dementia in the UK still without a diagnosis.

🤩 It was fantastic to meet so many people yesterday, share information about our services, and stand alongside organisations committed to making communities more dementia-friendly.

Together, we can help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those living with dementia and their families 💙💙

ℹ️ To find out how we can help you or a family member in relation to driving, please get in touch

📱 0300 300 1100

21/05/2026

Congrats and goodbye to our Occupational Therapy student, Alex who has just completed her first placement with us! 🥳 We have loved having you with us- you’ve been a great addition to the team and we’ll miss you! 🤩👋🏼

A few parting words from Alex:
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at DANW as an OT student! The team are really friendly and supportive! I feel I have learnt so much from my experience and all the clients I had the opportunity to meet and work with over the past 6 weeks! Thank you!”

Good luck with the rest of your studies! 🫶🏼🍀