When my brother first started using a wheelchair a couple of years ago he got really down and saw it as the end of his social life. He then got a bit better and had to use it a bit less. Then his health took a turn for the worse and he's now back in it permanently, even around the house.
He joined wheelchair basketball at a low point and it literally changed his life. He became more positive and had goals to work towards again including a try out for the welsh wheelchair basketball team.
He was also contacted by Whizz Kidz which is a charity that work with disabled children to enable them to have fun and learn valuable skills.
"Did you know that there are an estimated 70,000 disabled children waiting for their childhoods to start, as they struggle to get a wheelchair that meets all their needs? We believe that every young disabled person has the right to a fun and active childhood, and the chance to develop their full potential in life. We provide disabled children and young people with vital mobility equipment, and life journey services,giving them opportunities to build friendships and have fun, and training to help them gain skills and look forward to a bright future.
Our 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." - Whizz Kidz
Unfortunately I was still in uni when he had his first meet up with them. But I got to make it to their ambassador club. This is where young people in wheelchairs for all different kinds of reasons get to meet up for the day and have a good time whilst learning confidence in themselves and their wheelchair abilities as well as making new friends.
My brother is beyond confident in his wheelchair and borders on scary. He goes everywhere in a wheelie and at full speed. If he makes a wrong turn and falls out he just flips himself back up and carries on (I tend to just sit and laugh and say I told you so - Job of a caring sister). I however have a brain and am more cautious. However, it was so nice though to see him encouraging others to have more fun in their chairs and that they don't have to restrict you.
On the Ambassador club day we got to know everyone and had fun in our introductions, had a music quiz (my team lost by 1/2 a point, devastated does not even cover it). We then went outside and played games which was such a laugh and things got very competitive against the 2 teams.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day and am hoping to volunteer with them very soon. Its such a great environment and everyone is so lovely especially the whizz kidz trainers.
They offer so much, including wheelchair skill training so that you can get the most out of your chair and learn how to do things such as climb curbs etc. which is so useful for young people who are just getting used to chairs. They cater for young people up to the age of 25 so if you need some help with your chair skills I would definitely recommend you check them out and they run all over the country.
So if you know any young people who are in wheelchairs and want to have more fun (and who doesnt) then you should definitely recommend Whizz Kidz to them
Beth...x
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