I’ve put together our latest updates and insights to keep you informed and engaged. From the office and facilities update and service user caseload to exciting upcoming events, including the dates for our next Service User Engagement Forum. Read on to find out more! 

Office and Facilities Update

The lift at our facility is now fully functional. I have resumed working from the office and am utilising the meeting space for both internal and external engagements. The first meeting held  using the refurbished lift took place on 14th May in Gillingham, on behalf of the Disability Trustee Board (which I chair), as well as their Finance Group.

Disability Assist Board Recruitment

The Disability Assist Board is currently recruiting seven new members. They will join the existing board at a get-to-know-you session hosted by the wheelchair service using the Gillingham meeting space.

Service User Engagement Forum (SUEF)

The next SUEF meeting is scheduled for 18th June 2025 and will be held in Gillingham in a hybrid format. Invitations have been sent out.

Please note the upcoming 2025 SUEF meeting dates:

• 18th June
• 24th September
• 3rd December

VCSE Alliance Engagement

Upcoming VCSE Alliance and sector events include:

• 10th June 2025: East Kent VCSE Alliance Meeting
• 19th June 2025: "Embracing the Future", Stronger Kent Communities
• 17th July 2025: Health Equalities Celebration

Special Educational Needs Update

 A productive discussion regarding future collaborative work in special educational needs took place on 24th April 2025. Participants included Rory McDonnell, Kate Hebson, Mike Teaney, and Clive Bassant, meeting virtually via Teams.

Carers Awareness Training

Training for wheelchair service staff on Carers Awareness, facilitated by East Kent Carers Network, is provisionally scheduled for 29th July 2025.

Events and Community Engagement

• Wheelchair Rugby Tournament: Clive Bassant and Mike Teaney attended at  tournament on 5th April 2025, supporting our local team Canterbury Hellfire
• Young Person Group: Archie Beaumont and Beth Miller will join me to organise our first meeting, which is provisionally set for 2nd June 2025.
• Festability 2025: We are pleased to confirm that the wheelchair service will attend Festability on 14th June 2025. I will be there alongside Nicola and Chris (Gillingham Clinical Lead) to engage with attendees and answer any service-related questions.
• WhizzKidz Wheelchair Skills Day: We are excited to host this event on 11th June 2025. I will attend and share a full report in our next newsletter.

Staff and Leadership Meetings

Ian Lloyd (Chief Coach) met with Clive Bassant and Mike Teaney at the Ashford Service Centre on 9th May 2025 to discuss service development.

Service User Caseload 

The current active caseload stands at eleven service users, marking an increase of five from the previous month

Introducing Nicola Armstrong

My name is Nicola Armstrong, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Support Administrator for  Clive Bassant Community Liaison Engagement Officer   at the Kent and Medway Wheelchair Services. I’m really looking forward to stepping into this role. 

 Although I’m new to the wheelchair service, I bring with me several years of NHS experience, having worked at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London across various departments. Over the years, I’ve built a career centered around supporting others and making a positive difference.

Outside of work, I have a passion for hair, fashion, and make-up. I enjoy shopping, Saturday brunches, and going on holidays whenever I can. I also love trying new things—whether it's food, activities, or exploring new places. My personal motto is: "You can’t say you don’t like something until you give it a try."

I’m deeply passionate about helping people, promoting well-being, and supporting the independence of every individual. I’m truly excited about the journey ahead.

To find out more about anything in this post, or to contact us, please email us at kentandmedwaywcs@rosscare.co.uk