New member - Tom Gaskell

tomgaskell1996

Let me introduce myself, my name is Tom Gaskell and I work as a volunteer for the Croydon Refugee Day Centre in South London.

One of our clients, Javid Ehsani Shakib, an Iranian former paralympic discus thrower, is currently seeking asylum in this country. Javid is confined to a wheel chair having suffered from Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency from an early age which I understand is a rare, non-hereditary birth defect that affects the pelvis, particularly the hip bone, and the proximal femur. He also has curvature of the spine.

Javid now has osteoarthritis and finds it difficult to use his existing self-propelling wheelchair. Whilst his asylum application is being processed which may take many weeks given the Covid 19 restrictions, I would seek some advice as to how he could get some assistance to secure an electric wheel chair or possibly an electric handcycle extension to his existing wheel chair. May be this could be a UK charity to contact for instance.

 Many thanks in anticipation.

janer1967

Hi @tomgaskell1996 Welcome to the community its nice to have you on board and that you are helping your friend.

I am not too sure what help can be available with regards to charities but have you thought have looking for a second hand chair which could be less expensive. Usually advertised on ebay and facebook and gum tree

Hopefully other members can offer additional advice 

Richard_Scope

Hi @tomgaskell1996
It would appeal to South London Wheelchair Services to see if they have any powerchairs that they could loan to your client. It's a long shot. 

chiarieds

Hi @tomgaskell1996 - & welcome to the community from me too. It's great to read about your volunteer work, & how you're trying to help Javid, & I'm sorry to read about the difficulties he's facing. I hope Jane or Richard's advice is helpful. Please keep in touch & let us all know how you get on, thank you.

tomgaskell1996

Hi, Many thanks for the warm welcome and prompt and constructive feedback to help Javid. I will indeed take up your advice to contact South London Wheelchair Services or if not, successful resort to ebay and Gumtree.

I will indeed keep you informed on how this progresses.

Many thanks again. Tom

tomgaskell1996

Sorry, I omitted to ask. Richard, do you by any chance have any contact details for South London Wheelchair services as I was unable to find them online?

Richard_Scope

Hi @tomgaskell1996
What part of London are based in? I'll find something for you

tomgaskell1996

Hi. That is really helpful. I am based in East Dulwich as is Javid  who is staying in a local hostal. Tom

Richard_Scope

Hi @tomgaskell1996, 
I have found a link to Camden and Islington Wheelchair Services. Nothing came up for South London or East Dulwich. Camden will be a good starting point for you.

atlas47

Hi @tomgaskell1996

A very warm welcome.

Please come back to us, if you do not get any where.

I have in mind, that you could try asking for a grant from Motability the charity.

Telephone: 0300 456 4566.

It is linked to the Motability car scheme.

Stay kind and stay safe.

tomgaskell1996

Hi, many thanks for raising this possibility in case I am unsuccessful with Camden and Islington wheelchair services. 

Richard, reading in, many thanks for pointing me in the right direction of Camden and Islington wheelchair services.

tomgaskell1996

Hi, just a quick update that a medical assessment of Javid's condition is now being arranged by his local GP to determine his specific needs. I have been in contact with the Bowley Close Rehabilitation wheelchair centre (NHS) that covers his local area who were very helpful in explaining the process for securing the appropriate mobility equipment for his needs.

As far as electrically powered mobility equipment is concerned, this could prove far more problematic, as the recipient has to reside at a permanent place of residence. In Javid's case, he is living at a hostel for the time being whilst his asylum case is being assessed by the home office.