Funding a powerchair

amanda39

Hi,

i am looking for advise in relation to funding a powerchair.  I want a 4 x 4 chair so I can join my family (and take my own assistance dog out as this is a prerequisite to getting a dog) for walk with our dogs.  My own chair doesn’t have good enough suspension to allow me to use it outdoors (unless it for a very short time eg:  hospital visits through the car park).  I really hope someone can help me x

JennysDad

Hello Amanda @amanda39 and a warm welcome to the community. I'm not able to give you a direct answer to your question, I'm afraid, I just don't have the knowledge, but there will be others here who have been in a similar position. You might like to look at the 'Disability aids and equipment' category here https://community.scope.org.uk/categories/technology-and-equipment.
I do have an acquaintance who got a powered chair through a GoFundMe page online, but I don't know how that works.
Other members will also respond to your post in due course.
Glad to have you with us,
Warmest best wishes,
Richard

Pippa_Alumni

Hi @amanda39, and welcome to the community!

If you haven't seen it already, I'd recommend having a read of this page on wheelchairs and powerchairs, which includes information about NHS services and also fundraising. Have a read, and do come back to us with any questions!

twitbrit

I went on to eBay and got a pride jazzy nearly new power chair for £349-00. It works very well. I advise you decide what you want, then look on line and in local newspapers. Estates sometimes sell them quite cheaply just to get the estate resolved. I found motabity too expensive. Also you have to change every three years and you never own it. Might work for a car but your permanent mobile bum settle is like your underwear- always giving you support. This is just how i did it, there are lots of other good ways as above from other contributors.
Good luck!

Jean_OT

Hi @amanda39

The grant search tool that you can find on the Scope website at:

https://www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/search-grants

may help you to identify grant giving organisations that you could apply to for funding.

One organisation that I have know some people get support from is:

https://mobilitytrust.org.uk/

At the time I am writing this it is still possible for some people to get a voucher from their local NHS wheelchair services clinic to use towards the cost of a wheelchair that goes beyond what the clinic is able to issue. However, please be aware that the wheelchair voucher scheme is in the process of being changed see:

https://www.independentliving.co.uk/il-editorials/nhs-wheelchair-services/

Best Wishes

Jean