It is great to have the opportunity through this newsletter to discuss the important work of the Wheelchair Alliance, so thank you for taking the time to read this. My name is Nick Goldup the Chair and, since February, the Chief Operating Officer of the Alliance.

Over the past three decades there have been many reports, reviews and recommendations in relation to wheelchair services - made by government, and the voluntary sector. These all indicated that there was considerable variation in wheelchair services and provision across England. Much has been achieved, although there is still a long way to go. We see issues around access to the right wheelchair at the right time, we have a National Health Service with 118 wheelchair services differing in service provision. Innovation in product and process often gets stuck at the door of the private market, eligibility criteria by wheelchair services restricting spend means that a postcode lottery is often in place and data is often suboptimal meaning budgeting and commissioning can be different in each area. On the flip side, we see a very hard working and caring work force, with many pockets of really good service that need identifying and holding up as best practice for others to follow.

The Alliance was set up to champion national accountability for wheelchair users and their carers, being a voice for wheelchair users in England. We are specifically made up of senior stakeholders from across the wheelchair industry, coming together to lobby for change. My view has always been that if we are ‘in it together’ (including members from the NHS/not-for-profit sector/commissioners and industry) with a coordinated voice, then the situation must improve.

Our ambition is to be an umbrella organisation that represents all things related to wheelchairs and postural support, providing a louder voice and greater influence.

Our vision is ‘To transform the experience for wheelchair users in England through improved access, quality and effectiveness’ and our mission states that

‘We will work in partnership with all relevant organisations and influence at the highest level to ensure that wheelchair users can lead qualitative, independent lives’.

Wheelchair users must be listened to and have confidence that every wheelchair service provides the choice and capability to fully deliver the outcomes of each individual person.

We are able to talk directly with wheelchair services, commissioners, NHS England and the Department of Health & Care, and when necessary we are able to ask questions in parliament, including, (we hope after the election) through an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Wheelchair Provision. We have commissioned two independent reports considering the state of the nation for wheelchair provision in England and the benefits of having the right wheelchair (please visit our website https://wheelchair-alliance.co.uk/wheelchair-research-report/) and have this month launched at the House of Lords a special interest group looking at Innovation in this space.

A third and very important report being worked on and due out in September will outline the ways in which change can happen. If you are a wheelchair user, carer or family member and would like to be part of this research please do use the link below as we would love for you to be involved in shaping this document.

Finally, we are very shortly launching a new website which will allow you to become a member of the Wheelchair Alliance and help us to champion the voice for wheelchair users further. Please do keep an eye open for this launch in the coming weeks and take the opportunity to join us.

Thanks, Nick