The Hargreaves Foundation supports Whizz Kidz

The Trustees of the Hargreaves Foundation are pleased to announce that Whizz Kidz, the UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users, have been granted funding which will support the provision of equipment and support young wheelchair users need.

Working towards their vision of a society where every young wheelchair user is mobile, enabled and included, Whizz Kidz provide high-quality personalised equipment supporting mobilisation, create activities designed towards building confidence, and campaign with young wheelchair users to create societal change.

In the UK, an estimated 75,000 young people need a wheelchair to be mobile, yet many are unable to receive the equipment which will fully meet their needs through the NHS, leaving them highly dependent on others and at risk of social isolation. Even when granted, accessibility to wheelchair equipment is restricted by high costs.

Remarkably, with Whizz Kidz’s renowned status for being the largest provider of paediatric mobility equipment outside of the NHS, alongside established relationships with manufacturers and suppliers, they have gained great negotiation powers for buying specialist equipment at a fraction of the retail price. This means families have greater opportunities to access the equipment needed to enhance their child’s life.

The funding will be used to purchase various types of equipment, such as manual wheelchairs, buggies, and power assists, as well as to cover therapist costs. In particular, funding will be prioritised for several young wheelchair uses who have been waiting to receive equipment for over at least eight months.