Newlife’s Campaigning and Public Affairs Manager, Ceara Chamberlin, travelled to Westminster last month to take part in an important evidence session organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Accesto Disability Equipment.
Ceara said: “These sessions are a vital chance to share lived experiences and professional insights directly with parliamentarians and to influence how equipment is provided to children and adults with disabilities across the UK.
“The APPG’s inquiry is focusing on four key areas:
- Meeting needs and patient experience in community equipment services
- Equity and access — tackling regional and postcode-based inequalities
- Systemic barriers — including staffing, training, and delays
- Commissioning and innovation — exploring funding and integrated service delivery
“There was a real breadth and depth of perspectives in the room; we heard from equipment users, occupational therapists, manufacturers and suppliers, each contributing valuable insight into both the challenges and the possible solutions for the community equipment sector.
“Sam Morton, who received a specialist sit-to-stand wheelchair from us at Newlife nine years ago, attended the APPG and shared how this piece of equipment gave him the independence to attend university and live his life to the full. It was a powerful reminder of just how transformative the right equipment can be, enabling people to live independently and with dignity.
“Sam’s message was so powerful, that disability can happen to anybody at any point during your life. He was able to achieve because he had the support he needed, but so many are not given the equipment and support they need. That’s why it is so important for decision makers to hear stories like Sam’s. We need positive change so that all children and young people have the opportunities to chase their dreams.
“Of course, the challenges are significant too. The fallout from the insolvency of NRS was raised by the occupational therapy community, underlining how fragile the system can be when delivery is disrupted. These concerns only highlight the importance of ensuring services are properly resourced, consistently commissioned, and designed to meet real needs.
“The APPG will now be collating the evidence we heard and publishing a report setting out clear recommendations. I’m proud that Newlife is playing a part in shaping this important conversation, and we will keep pushing to ensure that the voices of children with disabilities and their families are heard in Westminster — because the right equipment, at the right time, positively changes lives.”