A Big Thank You to The Motability Foundation
Wow, what a year it’s been at AFK! We’ve hit some amazing milestones, and it’s all thanks to incredible support from the Motability Foundation.
Because of their generous funding, we’ve been able to provide a record amount of mobility equipment to children and young people like George, helping them gain independence and improve their quality of life.
The Motability Foundation Wheelchair Sector Grant Programme awards grants to charities like AFK to make an immediate impact for disabled people, by awarding funding to improve and expand their access to good quality affordable mobility equipment.
Recent Research
The recent Right Chair Right Time Right Now – The Value of a Wheelchair report by The Wheelchair Alliance, highlights the profound impact high-quality wheelchairs have on users and society.
The report clearly shows that quality wheelchairs enhance the lives of disabled adults, children, and carers, contributing significantly to mental and physical health, education, and employment.
The report clearly shows that quality wheelchairs enhance the lives of disabled adults, children, and carers, contributing significantly to mental and physical health, education, and employment.
For young wheelchair users in full-time education, mental health benefits account for two-thirds of the total positive impact, followed by physical health (17%), benefits to carers (12%), and educational impacts (4%). Young people reported feeling more included and able to pursue the same activities as their peers.
Many individuals reported that having the right wheelchair not only improved their daily lives but also enabled them to engage more fully in work, leading to greater independence and a sense of purpose.
A Record-Breaking Year!
This year, AFK’s Mobility team outdid themselves by ordering equipment for 165 young people, up from 116 last year. Here’s what we managed to secure:
- 14 powerchairs
- 12 wheelchairs
- 70 specialist buggies/pushchairs
- 16 car seats
- 41 trikes
- Various other mobility items
Many have shared their gratitude for the increased independence and improved quality of life their new equipment has brought them.
Our application process has received high praise for being simple, efficient, and supportive, with families appreciating our team’s personal and understanding approach.
Thanks to the Motability Foundation’s support, AFK can continue to improve the quality of life for many disabled young people.
George’s journey
George is 9 from Yorkshire and has a diagnosis of Syrinx and Arnold Chiari Malformation with low muscle tone and motor developmental difficulties. This means that George often experiences fatigue, impacting the distance he can walk and engage in physical activity.
George would have difficulty riding a standard bike, therefore specialist provision was something his family and his physiotherapist wanted to pursue for him to have the same opportunities as his peers.
George has recently received a Theraplay trike through our programme. As his mother shared with us,
“The trike came last week, and George is over the moon with it. We took him for a trial ride around the street to check and adjust heights etc. and then he was riding it himself.”
The new trike, in “Batman Black” named by George, has become an integral part of his daily routine. His confidence and independence have soared as he rides his bike to school almost every day.
“We have been to see Aunty Sue for George to show off his new trike. George now uses the trike to go to school on most days unless he is having trouble with his legs.”
His teachers have noticed a remarkable change, not only in his ability to use the trike but in his overall demeanour.
“George’s teachers are amazed with the trike and how George can use it. They think it’s great.”
The support provided to George highlights the mission of AFK: to create opportunities for children and young people who are disabled or neurodiverse, to increase their independence, reach their individual potential and remove the barriers they face.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and AFK for helping George in getting a new trike which has enabled George to get out and about, be independent and also help with exercise. The process was personal and easy for me as a parent, and I appreciate the phone calls to give me updates.”
This personal touch and continuous communication underscore our commitment to not only providing resources but also ensuring a seamless and supportive experience for the families we assist. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our funders, including The Motability Foundation, for making stories like George’s possible.
The positive impact of the new equipment on our beneficiaries’ lives is evident in the feedback we receive. Here are some more testimonials:
Charlie’s Family: “The adapted car seat has made travelling comfortable and safe.”
Sammy’s Family: “His new buggy has made him happy and comfortable, allowing easy park visits.”
Ashra: “Her new trike promotes independence, socialising, and muscle strengthening.”
Josie: “Her bike has dramatically improved her physical and mental well-being.”
The Motability grant has enabled AFK to exceed our targets, supporting more disabled children and young people than ever before. We are deeply grateful for the Motability Foundation team’s support, advice, and friendly assistance. Here’s to continuing our partnership and making even more impactful strides in the coming years.