CIRCA (Centre for Information Resource Care and Assistance) was established in 1994 to provide assistance to local charities.
Initially based on Victoria Street, CIRCA provided a central location for local charities to meet and work together. CIRCA also operated a drop-in-centre and loaned out wheelchairs to Island residents.
Since then CIRCA’s remit has widened to now include 3 distinct strands:
With the development of this new website in 2023, CIRCA moved into the digital age - replacing the Charities Database with an online Directory.
An exciting enhancement to the Information service is that in 2025 Disability Networks became the information arm of CIRCA. The Disability Networks website will continue to provide a comprehensive range of useful information for disabled people and their families on the Isle of Man.
Additionally, the meeting room within the CIRCA Centre in Douglas is now available to hire for a nominal fee/donation. Click here for more information .
CIRCA is entirely funded by grants and donations. Please go to our "Donate" page (click here) if you would like to help us.
We are fortunate to have been awarded a small grant from the Department of Health & Social Care to assist the charity in the provision of all of its services.
In 2024, CIRCA secured a grant from the Manx Lottery Trust to fund a pilot 'Shopmobility Buddies' service. The pilot will run throughout 2025 and enables CIRCA to provide a trained volunteer 'Buddy' to accompany Shopmobility service users. Click here to view the press release.
CIRCA is a Manx Registered charity which is run by an elected Committee of Volunteers.
CIRCA employs two members of staff comprising of the Centre Manager and Assistant Centre Manager. In addition there are two part-time Technicians to maintain the Shopmobility equipment.
The Shopmobility scheme run by CIRCA provides short term use of mobility equipment to anyone who struggles with their mobility. Mobility Scooters, Electric Powered Wheelchairs, Rollators and Manual Wheelchairs are all available from our Centre in Chester Street Car Park in Douglas.
The Shopmobility Service is free to Manx Residents for single day’s use, with a small daily charge for longer periods and for use by non-residents.
The CIRCA Volunteering Agency is an integral part of the CIRCA philosophy, working with and for Charities and Voluntary Organisations on the Isle of Man. Our Centre Co-ordinators are happy to meet with prospective volunteers to match them with organisations in need of volunteers which are compatible with their skills and interests.
Volunteering is a great way to have new experiences, learn new things, meet new people and have fun, whilst at the same time helping people in your Community.
CIRCA maintain a comprehensive Directory of Manx Charities which includes links to details of the services they provide. The directory is available online and is easily accessible from our website.
The Disability Networks website provides a comprehensive range of useful information for disabled people and their families on the Isle of Man.
We also have a FAQs Page on our website, covering topics we are often asked about - for example, where to obtain a Disabled Parking Permit and much more.
Position: CIRCA Centre Manager
Laura has a background in employment support and event management. She previously worked as an Employment Advisor, helping long-term unemployed individuals return to work through voluntary placements. With extensive experience in planning and delivering community and fundraising events, Laura is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities that bring people together and make a positive difference.
Position: CIRCA Centre Assistant Manager
Michelle joined CIRCA in May 2021. She has quicky established herself as part of the team and her enthusiasm and ever-smiling face make her very popular with our regular service users.
Position: Shopmobility Maintenance
We have two part-time maintenance technicians who maintain our fleet of Shopmobilitiy equipment, including comprehensive checks before each item is made available to our service users and when it is returned.
The Circa Committee currently consists of seven elected members who all donate their time and expertise to the charity on a voluntary basis:
Position: Chairman
Position: Treasurer
Position: Secretary
Position: Committee Member
Position: Committee Member
Position: Committee Member
Position: Committee Member
Committee Members: M Barnett, H Cleverley, S Coren, S Crossley, A Pasanting, G Pishvaie, H Richards
A Private Company Limited by guarantee incorporated in the Isle of Man. Registration No. 097367C Registered Manx Charity No. 657
