Subscribe to Whizz-Kidz NewsPhil Hope MP shows support for children’s wheelchair services at launch of new All Party group, led by Whizz-Kidz
Phil Hope MP, Tony Wright MP with Ambassadors Nathan and Summer
“Too many families with disabled children struggle to get the support they need – that’s why we are funding short breaks, community equipment and wheelchair services for disabled children as part of our Child Health Strategy, published in February.“I am determined to continue to drive improvements forward for children with disabilities and I am sure this new All Party Group will play a valuable part in this.”
Care Service Minister Phil Hope MP
Phil Hope MP, the Minister for Care Services, was speaking at the launch of a new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Paediatric Mobility, sponsored by Whizz-Kidz – and launched by Tony Wright MP for Great Yarmouth.
Ruth Owen, Chief Executive of Whizz-Kidz, explains the need for the APPG:
“There are around 70,000 disabled children in this country who are in need of appropriate mobility equipment to lead independent and active lives.
“The launch of this All Party Parliamentary Group on Paediatric Mobility presents a real opportunity to raise awareness amongst MPs of the importance of independent mobility for children and young people – and just what an enormous difference getting the right equipment can make to their lives – at school, at home, and with friends.”
Tony Wright MP said:
“I am very pleased to be able to start such a group and I want to thank Whizz-Kidz for helping me to start this APPG, and to thank everyone for coming to the launch.
“I want this APPG to raise awareness of the need for correct mobility equipment for disabled children and I know that with such an excellent team involved we can achieve that.”
The Government’s Child Health Strategy has promised £340m in England to improving paediatric services including wheelchair services. Within it, they also announced a new partnership between the London Strategic Health Authority and Whizz-Kidz to ensure a greater number of children get the wheelchairs they need, when they need them, and help them to secure maximum independence across the Capital.
However, the charity aims to joint-fund mobility equipment where possible with local NHS services across the whole country to build the self confidence of young disabled people and give them an equal start in life.
The APPG for Paediatric Mobility launched on 1 June at the House of Commons.
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