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Equipment Fund
The WSAD administers a
Fund, which purchases items of mobility equipment that are not
available from statutory sources, Lesley Williams is the Fund Manager and works
closely with Occupational Therapists to provide the best
possible equipment. Since this fund was set up in 1989 we have
spent over £670,000 and helped over 600 people in the County.
The benefits that our equipment can bring in terms of increased
independence and dignity, plus the sense of achievement in being
able to do things for yourself cannot be overstated.
Small Grants and Loans
Did you know we have a budget of
£2500 each year for grants (of up to £200).
Examples
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One young lady had moved
away from home and communicated by email with her friends and
family. Her computer needed updating so we donated £50 towards
the costs.
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A single disabled father of three moved to
a new council house, but the council did not provide carpet or
decorating. So we put £200 toward the costs, and helped him
raise the rest of the money through the Lions Club and the
Reform Service
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One member wanted to use the 4Sight (W
Sussex Assoc. for Blind) Counselling Service in Shoreham, but
couldn't afford the travel costs so we donated £50
I feel like I am in Heaven
Jane Scrivens has a brittle bone condition and
she has had to use a modified wheelchair since 1994. Jane sits in
chairs with her legs folded under her so has to have chairs which
have space for her feet to be behind her. The only comfortable chair
she had was the wheelchair with its modified back and
pressure-reliving cushion. At other times she had to retreat to her
bedroom so that she could lie on her bed.
This was ok for watching TV and listening to music but it was not
very sociable for her partner Leslie or for her friends. In early
2004 Jane made contact with the Occupational Therapists Cheryl
Hilbourne and Penny Kingsley to ask for help in finding a
comfortable chair for her. After trying several types they found a
pressure relieving chair manufacturer who could provide a chair with
the necessary modifications. They then contacted the WSAD Equipment
Fund for funding. In June 2005 the chair arrived and Jane says “I
feel like I am in heaven”. For her “It is the first chair since 1994
which I have found comfortable enough to fall asleep in”. She now
has an easy chair which will adapt to the pressure on her legs and
dislocated hip.
Here is a picture of Jane at home with her chair and outside in her
wheelchair with her hearing dog Kinny. She says “I would like to
thank everybody who supports the WSAD fundraising at days like the
Fontwell Horse Racing and the Brighton Dog Racing. The Equipment
Fund has made such a difference to my life.”
Equipment Fund Success!
If you would like to apply to the Equipment Fund, you
must be on a low income and have limited savings. Applications are
made through an, Occupational Therapist, or other health
professional. Lesley Williams is the Fund Manager and works closely
with Occupational Therapists to provide the best possible equipment.
Phone Lesley
01903 244 457 or email
info@wsad.org.uk
for more information.
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