Supporting young wheelchair users

Whizz-Kidz is the UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users. The charity provides a range of mobility equipment to children and young people with a physical disability to give them independence at home, at school, and at play.

Each year the charity provides around 1,000 pieces of mobility equipment tailored to the needs of each child. Whizz-Kidz also provides a mobile repair and maintenance service for around 200 children, visiting children in their homes and at school to service their equipment.

These services support children’s independence as they grow and develop. They have changed, and continue to change, the lives of thousands of young people and families. However, providing the right wheelchair was just the start.

Since 2013, Whizz-Kidz has received £2 million thanks to People’s Postcode Lottery players. This generosity has helped the charity support a further 400 disabled young people across the UK each year.

The charity provides young people with over 200 hours of skills training each year, so they can get the most out of their wheelchair safely and confidently. It has also meant they can run over 100 fun club sessions where they can meet other wheelchair users and try new activities they otherwise could not. Finally, they have been able to provide over 100 work placements and employability skills training sessions; to improve confidence, aspirations and help young people get into the world of work.

Providing the right equipment and support opens up a world of possibilities and helps young people reach their full potential. But there are huge barriers that still hold young wheelchair users back.

Whizz-Kidz is determined to break down these barriers that disabled people and their families face in everyday life.

Their vision for the future is that all disabled children’s lives are full of fun, friendship, and hope for an independent future. Just like any other kid’s.

In 2020, Whizz-Kidz is celebrating 30 years of moving life forward for young wheelchair users. Together with players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, they are striving to make everyday obstacles, the everyday possible, for the next 30 years and beyond.