The Wheelchair Alliance, a community interest company (CIC) dedicated to improving the lives of wheelchair users, has launched its three-year strategy focused on access, innovation, and equity in wheelchair provision.

At the heart of the strategy is a three-point plan:

• Listen – collaborate with wheelchair users to understand their needs and experiences.
• Champion – drive national accountability through research, lobbying, and campaigning.
• Innovate – support the development of equipment and services in partnership with key stakeholders.

These priorities underpin the Alliance’s vision of every wheelchair user in the UK having the right chair, at the right time, right now.

As part of this commitment, the Alliance is creating an easy-to-use guide that will work as an aid for wheelchair users whilst working through the system of wheelchair provision. This will be based on the Quality Framework published earlier this year by NHS England with the help of the Alliance.

Five years in the making, the much-needed Framework addresses inconsistencies in wheelchair service provision, which often delay access to essential equipment and negatively impact health and quality of life. It sets out what ‘good’ looks like for people who access wheelchair services and has been distributed to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and providers to help deliver better access, outcomes, and experiences.

The Framework reflects invaluable input from clinicians, commissioners, and leading organisations, including the British Health Trade Association, Posture and Mobility Group, ResMag, National Wheelchair Managers Forum, Whizz Kidz, and Newlife. It has even been discussed in the House of Lords, highlighting its national importance.

Commenting on the strategy, Nick Goldup, CEO of the Alliance said:

“Wheelchairs provide a significant gateway to independence, wellbeing and quality of life for thousands of adults and children.” “We’re immensely proud of our achievements such as securing a government review of outdated legislation on the use of powered wheelchairs, launching the Quality Framework, and establishing the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Wheelchair Users. But we can’t stand still – driving change forward is key and we look forward to delivering our new strategy to the benefit of wheelchair users throughout the UK.”