Abstract: A raising/lowering mechanism for a roller blind (10) comprising a main body portion (40), a rotatable output member (52) to which, in use, a roller-engaging stub axle (14) can be operatively connected to effect rotation, in use, of an attached roller, a rotatable input shaft (56) geared to the rotatable output member (52) such that, in use, rotation of the input shaft (56) causes the rotatable output member (52) to rotate, wherein the rotatable output member (52) is accessible from opposite sides of the main body portion (40) to permit, in use, the roller-engaging stub axle (14) to be operatively connected thereto from either side of the mechanism (10). The stub axle (14) suitably comprises a roller-engaging end (24) and a drive member-engaging end, and radially resilient features (20) to provide, in use, a friction fit or gripping connection between it and the roller.