I need a referee for a charity grant

FraggleRox

I’m a 42 year old lady with degenerative spinal problems and Fibromyalgia, amongst other things. I have mobility issues, and use either a pair of walking sticks or a powerchair. I can’t get far using just my walking sticks, and rely on my powerchair when out and about. 

My problem is that my powerchair has become increasingly uncomfortable over the last few years, the back cushion is slipping out, and now the battery is dead. I need a new chair. Since I live on government benefits, (my car is Motability using up my PIP mobility element payments) I don’t have the funds to buy a new one. 

The NHS can’t help with an electric wheelchair since I don’t need it indoors, so I’m now looking elsewhere.

Most charities require someone else to apply on your behalf before they will consider a grant application. I don’t have a social worker or district nurse, my wheelchair services and the local OT can’t help, I gave up on the pain clinic years ago after they ran out of options for me, and even the Citizens Advice Bureau can’t currently help due to Covid restricting their services. 

I’m getting so frustrated about being without a powerchair, I'm also worried as my already extended Motability car lease is up in the next few months. I can’t order a new vehicle until I know the dimensions of the powerchair that needs to fit in the rear. 

I feel I have no one I can ask to apply for a grant on my behalf, and so I’m hoping someone can suggest someone who can help. 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

I understand your concern have you considered leasing a chair rather than buying maybe then you could afford the payments there are lots companies do this you can do a Google search to look at different options 

Other options are fundraising or setting up go fund me 

Also you can get second hand chairs from some mobility shops or selling sites 

FraggleRox

janer1967 said:

…have you considered leasing a chair rather than buying maybe then you could afford the payments there are lots companies do this.

Also you can get second hand chairs from some mobility shops or selling sites 

Hi janer1967, 

I’ve looked into leasing chairs this afternoon, and I would struggle to afford the basic powerchairs, and I know from experience that they would not be comfortable for me. I couldn’t afford the more complex chairs’ rental fees, or the prices such chairs command second hand. I can’t work anymore so I don’t have excess money for large purchases. 

janer1967

I understand your situation was just giving some suggestions you may not have considered 

I hope you find a solution 

FraggleRox

Libby_Scope said:

Hi @FraggleRox, 

How are you getting on? I just wanted to check in to see if you had made any progress with your power chair purchase/grant application?

Hi Libby, 

Thanks for checking in. 

I’m currently waiting for a trustee panel to meet and discuss a grant application I’ve applied for. This grant is one of very few that could potentially meet my needs, and I could apply for without a referral. I found it on Turn2Us, which is a great site.

I have another four weeks to wait before the trustees meet. So I’m just keeping my fingers and toes crossed, and hoping things will work out for the better. 

Steph