Continuing to Invest in Youth Voice: Thank You to Barratt Redrow

We are proud to share that Barratt Redrow are once again continuing their support of the Whizz Kidz Youth Board, generously part‑funding this vital programme. Their long‑standing commitment plays a crucial role in ensuring that disabled young people remain at the heart of everything we do.

The Youth Board is integral to Whizz Kidz. It exists because we believe that real change happens when the voices of young wheelchair users are listened to, valued and acted upon. We rely on generous organisations like Barratt Redrow, who have supported the Youth Board for many years, to help make this work possible.

What is the Whizz Kidz Youth Board?

The Whizz Kidz Youth Board is a group of young people aged 16–25 from across the UK. Members meet several times a year to share their lived experiences, insights and ideas directly with the charity. This ensures that decisions, policies and programmes are shaped by the voices of those who know best what it means to grow up as a wheelchair user today.

Through these discussions, young people influence the charity’s direction and help drive the support that is so crucial to both Whizz Kidz’ work and the lives of disabled young people across the country.

The Youth Board’s manifesto focuses on four key areas that matter most to young wheelchair users:

• Employment
• Education
• Travel
• Accessibility

Membership lasts for two years, meaning many wheelchair users are given regular opportunities to speak up, accelerate change and grow the visibility and media presence of the disabled community. The result is fresh perspectives, bold ideas and practical solutions to the complex challenges disabled people face every day.

Caitlyn: creativity, confidence and impact

At just 25 years old, Caitlyn, a vibrant and creative wheelchair user from Ayrshire on Scotland’s west coast, has made a remarkable impact as a Youth Board member.

“Being a wheelchair user has brought me brilliant and unique opportunities,” she says. “Youth Board is one of them – something I wouldn’t have had without it.”

During her time on the Youth Board, Caitlyn has helped shape a number of impactful projects. One standout moment was her involvement in Morph’s Epic Art Adventure – the UK’s first step‑free, fully accessible art trail across London.

Caitlyn designed a fashion‑themed Morph statue in collaboration with Scottish designer Alison Black, featuring an adaptive tartan suit. The piece was proudly displayed outside St Paul’s Cathedral.

“It was unforgettable,” Caitlyn says. “A once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.”

Poppy: finding belonging and confidence

Poppy has been a wheelchair user since early childhood. While her journey has had its challenges, she describes wheelchair use as a normal part of her life. What inspired her to join the Youth Board was the chance to connect with others like her.

“Being the only wheelchair user can be a lonely experience,” she explains. “For me, the Youth Board meant that I finally felt like I was part of something.”

Poppy first encountered Whizz Kidz during her childhood. What stood out most was the emphasis on choice and individuality.

“What stood out to me was the ability for the individual to decide what worked – or what didn’t work – for them. For the individual to have choice.”

Reflecting on her time with the Youth Board, Poppy is clear about the impact it has had:

“I would say to just go for it. The experiences I have had so far from Youth Board have been invaluable. I am more confident than I was previously, I have been a part of and done things I haven’t done before, and that is because of Youth Board.”

Amber: driving change beyond equipment

Amber was motivated to join the Youth Board by the opportunity to create meaningful, long‑lasting change for young wheelchair users. She also recognised the importance of having a supportive space to try new things, develop skills and spend time with others who share similar experiences.

She first came across Whizz Kidz while searching for funding options for her first custom wheelchair. Although she was too old to access the service, she continued to follow the charity online.

“The biggest thing that stood out to me was the huge impact Whizz Kidz was having – and continues to have – on young people,” Amber says. “Making so many worlds bigger through access to the right equipment and accessible opportunities.”

What mattered just as much was what came next.

“The impact didn’t stop at the provision of equipment. It translated into advocacy, policy and driving change at the highest level, with youth voice right at the centre.”

Thank you, Barratt Redrow

Stories like Caitlyn’s, Poppy’s and Amber’s show exactly why the Youth Board matters – and why the continued support of partners like Barratt Redrow is so important.

By helping to fund the Youth Board, Barratt Redrow are investing directly in disabled young people, amplifying their voices and supporting a future where accessibility, opportunity and choice are not optional extras, but expectations.

We are incredibly grateful for their continued commitment and for standing alongside us to ensure that young wheelchair users can shape the world around them.