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Wheelchair Alliance

The Wheelchair Alliance is committed to hearing and representing the voice of wheelchair users.

We work hard to ensure wheelchair users are heard by the right people to drive forward positive change.

27/10/2026

Today, our CEO Nick Goldup met with the Rt Hon Lord Philip Hunt of Kings Heath PC OBE at Westminster following the publication of amendments to the UK Government’s Health Bill, which we worked with Lord Hunt to table.

The amendments call for a national wheelchair commissioner, a national wheelchair advisory board, and a requirement for every Integrated Care Board to adopt national standards for wheelchair provision, with the aim to strengthen wheelchair provision and ensure wheelchair users’ voices are reflected in national and local decision-making.

Together, these measures would create clearer national leadership, embed the expertise and lived experience of wheelchair users in decision-making, and support more consistent provision for the estimated 1.2 million wheelchair users in the UK.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Nick Goldup said: “Incorporating these amendments into legislation would represent a significant step towards stronger national leadership, consistent standards and better outcomes for wheelchair users.

“We are extremely grateful to Lord Philip Hunt for working so closely with the Alliance to develop and table these important proposals. We look forward to continuing that work as the Bill progresses through Parliament.”

19/10/2026

Have you taken a look at the Wheelchair Alliance Academy lately?

Believed to be the first of its kind, the Academy brings together trusted information, practical tools and expert resources for wheelchair users, commissioners and providers – all in one place.

To ensure the content remains relevant, practical and responsive to people’s needs, the Academy is regularly updated with new resources and we’ve recently added the below resources across several Academy pages.

Wheelchair Skills
Here you will find wheelchair skills session dates and locations, including a comprehensive wheelchair skills course developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, in the United States of America. We have also added infographics showcasing how to safely transfer to and from a wheelchair.

Click here to visit the Wheelchair Skills section: https://bit.ly/45ArV0R

Wheelchair Management
We have introduced wheelchair infographics which help to break down each of the parts in a wheelchair, so that you can learn more about how a wheelchair works. There is also a handy maintenance guide.

Click here to visit the Wheelchair management page of the Academy: https://bit.ly/4ypQBVB

Life Skills | Equipment | Home Skills
We have recently added the ‘Living Made Easy’ resource to the Life Skills, Equipment and Home Skills pages of the Academy. The resource is dedicated to providing free impartial advice on solutions, gadgets, adaptations and aids to make life easier.

For more information, click here: https://bit.ly/4scv29q

You can access the full Academy by clicking the following link: https://bit.ly/4ypiflD

14/10/2026

Next week, the Posture and Mobility Group (PMG) annual conference takes place at Doncaster Racecourse (19th-21st October), which provides education, an industry exhibition, and networking events for professionals working in the field of 24-hour posture management, specialist seating and wheeled mobility.

Our CEO, Nick Goldup, and Chair and Director, Karen Pearce, will be speaking at the conference on Tuesday 20 October during Plenary Session 4 at 4pm.

Nick will introduce the work of the Alliance and share how the Wheelchair Alliance Academy can bring trusted information, practical tools and expert resources together in one accessible online space for wheelchair users, commissioners and providers.

Karen will then lead a discussion on how the Academy might support the recruitment and retention of expertise.

If you’re attending the conference, then why not join them on the third floor in the Premier Suite from 4pm to 5pm.

For more information and to purchase tickets to the PMG Conference, click the following link: https://pmguk.co.uk/annual-conference/

Pictured is Nick Goldup, CEO and Karen Pearce, director and Chair at the Wheelchair Alliance

14/10/2026

Last week we were approached by BBC Look North to talk about electric vehicle charging cables trailing across pavements, particularly on streets with rows of terraced houses.

Wheelchair users already face numerous accessibility challenges when navigating our streets and pavements, from poorly maintained surfaces to the growing number of e-scooters and hire bikes, and we have previously called upon the Department for Transport to consider the impact these increasing obstacles can have on wheelchair users - now charging cables add another barrier.

Ultimately, our streets and pavements should be designed and managed so that wheelchair users can move around their communities safely, confidently and independently.

You can see the report below (where we get a small mention) and read the written, more in-depth article at https://bbc.in/4z6TWu9

10/10/2026

Our October newsletter is out now.

We have coincided its release today to tie in with Mental Health Awareness Day, as it feels particularly important to reflect not only on the work we are doing together to improve wheelchair provision, but also on the wellbeing of the people at the heart of everything we do.

Since our last newsletter in July, we have continued to build a stronger voice for wheelchair users and have created opportunities for meaningful change, bringing us closer to our vision of ensuring every wheelchair user gets the right chair, at the right time.

Take a read of everything we've been up to over the last three months to make meaningful change - it's all in our latest newsletter.

You can read the October issue at https://bit.ly/4B3miXA

If you would like to subscribe to receive future newsletters by email, click on the following link: https://bit.ly/4h5jsGj

06/10/2026

Are you an experienced fundraiser with big ideas, energy, and passionate about creating social change?

We’re on the hunt for an ambitious freelance fundraiser to join the Alliance team to help us secure the funding we need to expand our work and create meaningful change for wheelchair users.

The role is for approximately one day a week and would suit someone with a proven track record of fundraising success and experience in identifying new funding opportunities and developing compelling bids.

If you also have experience across charities, CICs, social enterprises or organisations delivering social impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Sound like the perfect role for you? Click the link to apply: https://bit.ly/3Tg0qak

Applications close tomorrow, Wednesday 7th October, with interviews to take place online, week commencing 12th October.

Please share to help spread the news of this fantastic opportunity.

Pictured are some of the Wheelchair Alliance team.

29/09/2026

The Wheelchair Alliance is proud to announce the appointment of Lucy Bailey as executive assistant to our chief executive, Nick Goldup, further strengthening the Alliance as we continue to grow our research, policy and advocacy work for wheelchair users.

As a wheelchair user herself for almost five years, Lucy brings valuable lived experience to the Alliance team, along with more than five years of administration, virtual assistance and online business management experience.

Welcome to the team Lucy!

You can read more on Lucy's appointment by clicking the link: https://bit.ly/4hvp5zB

Pictured is Lucy Bailey who brings lived experience to her role as executive assistant at the Wheelchair Alliance

23/09/2026

Are you an excellent bid writer and storyteller that’s passionate about creating social change?

We’re on the hunt for an ambitious, experienced freelance fundraiser to join the Alliance team.

You’ll bring energy, ideas and results to help us secure the funding we need to expand our work and create meaningful change for wheelchair users.

The role is for approximately one day a week and would suit someone with a proven track record of fundraising success and experience in identifying new funding opportunities and developing compelling bids.

If you also have experience across charities, CICs, social enterprises or organisations delivering social impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Sound like the perfect role? Find out more by clicking the link: https://bit.ly/3Tg0qak

Applications close on Wednesday 7th October with interviews set to take place online, week commencing 12th October.

Picture description: pictured are some of the Wheelchair Alliance team who look forward to welcoming a new face to the team.

23/09/2026

Can you help shape more inclusive wheelchair repair in East London?

The Global Disability Innovation Hub at University College London (UCL) is looking for people to take part in an interactive workshop exploring experiences of wheelchair repair.

The workshop aims to better understand people's experiences of wheelchair repair and explore how repairs can affect independence, confidence, relationships, everyday life and connections to local communities. Participants will be invited to share their experiences and help co-design more inclusive approaches to wheelchair repair.

Workshop details:
📅 Saturday 10th October
🕙 10am–3pm
📍 UCL East, Marshgate Building, 7 Sidings Street, London E20 2AE

The organisers are particularly interested in hearing from:
• Disabled adults aged 18 or over who use a wheelchair and live near UCL East
• Parents and carers of children who use wheelchairs and live locally
• Adults aged 18 or over who are involved in wheelchair repair or maintenance in any capacity and also live locally to UCL East

Those interested in taking part are being invited to complete a form which can be accessed via this link: https://bit.ly/3Vbs5cX

If the form is not accessible, or you would like to discuss another way to participate, please contact Alice Benton at [email protected]

Please note: this workshop has not been organised by the Wheelchair Alliance. We are sharing it because it may be of interest to wheelchair users, families, carers and others in our community.

16/09/2026

Last week, our Chair Karen Pearce attended Naidex Roadshow South 2026 at Farnborough International, contributing to an important conversation about accessible support.

Karen spoke on the panel, ‘Making Support Accessible: Navigating Equipment and Financial Support’ which explored the often overlooked period between recognising a need for support, receiving formal assistance and disability-related benefits, and what organisations should be doing to support daily life.

Reflecting on the experience, Karen said: “The panel was excellent and I learned a lot from my co-panellists.

“The Alliance is already strongly linked with Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, so hearing Vikki Walton-Cole talk about the award winning work they do in Surrey was inspiring. Garth Ker from Enable Access gave his thoughts on ensuring the essential element – a ramp – is right first time, with his expert opinion aligning with our thoughts. We are hopeful that both organisations will shortly become partners.

“Fellow panelists Celia Chartres-Aris was also a powerhouse of information, I will be having a good conversation with her again soon, and Shani Dhanda is simply a wonder, asking great questions and providing thoughts on her lived experience as a wheelchair user!”

During the networking event, Karen also caught up with our patron Nick Wilson, who gave a powerful presentation about the story behind 50at50, an ambitious challenge designed to break down barriers and redefine what is possible for disabled people and wounded veterans in the outdoors.

Address

167-169 Great Portland Street
London
W1W5PF

Website

https://www.wheelchair-alliance.co.uk/

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