We all like being able to do exactly what we want to do. Its part of having the freedom in life to decide what you want to do without limitations.
Sometimes we cant follow those impulses though, especially when it comes to getting around in the world. So why is it that we crave the ability to travel to new places and can get frustrated when we cant?
Benefits of travelling on your mental health
It doesnt matter whether youre planning a big trip or just heading to a nearby beauty spot, being able to break up the status quo is just one of the benefits of travelling somewhere new or outside of your usual bubble.
Altering your usual routine to go somewhere different that you want to visit feels like a breath of fresh air. On top of that, it can lower stress levels and leave you feeling more creative. The ability to travel wherever you choose is also quite empowering, which is why it can sometimes feel stifling having to rely on others to get about.
Feeling restricted in getting around
While accepting a helping hand every now and then can be useful, needing to frequently ask friends, family or carers for assistance can feel like you lack the ability to be self-sufficient.
When it comes to travelling from A to B, needing lifts from others or being at the mercy of public transport might seem like theyre eating away at your freedoms. You cant necessarily go exactly where you want to, whenever you want to.
Although many people may go through periods of feeling like this, one group that can experience this more than most are those who have extra care or mobility needs due to a disability.
Reclaiming your independence of movement
Having the tools to feel self-sufficient and independent is part of what helps people to feel fulfilled.
When it comes to getting around, travelling under your own steam give you that feeling that youre in control of where youre going and what youre doing. Its why many people, when they come of age, look at driving as potentially the ultimate form of freedom as it can unlock those mental health benefits.
However, driving with a disability can be more complex due to the additional needs that need considering. Independence is crucial and thats one of the reasons why Motability exists.
What is Motability?
Motability is a charity established so that no person with disabilities is left behind due to a lack of transportation options. If you have a disability that makes it harder to feel independent, the Motability scheme can give you access to a vehicle so you can travel freely again.
Many car retailers participate in this scheme, and theyll provide a full list of Motability cars to choose from so you can pick the right vehicle for your needs. As well as leasing a new car, you can use the scheme to get a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), powered wheelchair or scooter if youd prefer.
How the Motability scheme works is by exchanging an individuals qualifying mobility allowance in order to cover the costs of leasing a vehicle and its running costs, which means you only need to think about fuelling it and where you want to travel to first.
