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, Circa are moving into the digital age - replacing the Charities Database with an online Directory.
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.
CIRCA is a Manx Registered charity which is run by an elected Committee of Volunteers
CIRCA employs three members of staff comprising of the Centre Manager, Assistant Centre Manager and a part-time Technician 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 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 (between 10:00am and 4:00pm), with a small donation suggested for longer periods.
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 and the services they provide. We are currently in the process of moving the directory online so that it is easily accessible from our website.
We also have a FAQs Page, covering topics we are often asked about - for example, where to obtain a Disabled Parking Permit and much more.
Position: CIRCA Centre Manager
Heather has worked at CIRCA since April 2017. She loves helping others and creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. What she enjoys the most is that no two days are ever the same and knowing that at the end of each day she has ‘made a 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: CIRCA Technician/Maintenance
Peter is CIRCA's maintenance technician who maintains our fleet of Shopmobilitiy equipment, including comprehensive checks before each item is made available for use by customers 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, F Gawne, G Pishvaie, H Richards
A Private Company Limited by guarantee incorporated in the Isle of Man. Registrastion No. 097367C Registered Manx Charity No. 657
