Wheels For The World
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Wheels for the World - Transforming the lives of disabled people in developing countries Wheels for the World is the overseas arm of Christian disability charity Through the Roof. Wheels for the World distributes previously-used wheelchairs and other mobility aids to hundreds of people in developing countries. This gift allows them a freedom of movement they could only dream about and demonstrates the love of God in a practical way. Imagine you have lived in one room for many years, unable to go outside. Think of a husband pushing his wife down a rutted road in a wheelbarrow. Picture a man who crawls, dragging his feet, with flip-flops on his hands to protect them. Consider a 10 year old boy who has never run or stood unaided, dependent on his parents to carry him everywhere.
What these people have in common with millions of others worldwide is their need of a wheelchair and their lack of hope or of ability to purchase one. We take wheelchairs no longer required by the NHS to our UK workshop at Parkhurst Prison to be refurbished and adapted to be suitable for rough terrain. Prisoners find great satisfaction in this work which helps restore their self-worth and dignity. They recognise that immobile disabled people are, in a sense, prisoners too. “It’s great working on something for people who are worse off than I am. For the first time in seven years I’m starting to feel good about myself.” said a prisoner in Parkhurst. “It is good to do something that we know is doing good. I enjoy the work a lot -- it is good for you and for us.” We have established good sources for wheelchairs, but we always have a shortage of children’s wheelchairs. Where does Wheels for the World go with its wheelchairs? Initially, we are approached with a request for wheelchairs by an organisation in the host country already working with disabled people. The needs of the organisation are assessed and we identify a suitable distribution venue and team accommodation. Once we agree to make a distribution, medical assessment forms are completed by the in-country hosts, identifying the requirements of those needing chairs. Countries where distributions have taken place are Romania, Albania, Ukraine, Jordan, Ghana, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya. Other destinations are always under consideration. What does a distribution involve? The container of wheelchairs and other mobility aids are sent in advance of the team arrival. A typical distribution usually lasts 8 – 10 days with the team staying in basic accommodation. Our therapists fit all our chairs most carefully to ensure safety and comfort, and all recipients and family members are instructed in the correct use and maintenance of their chair. Wheels for the World meets the practical needs of the disabled person with a wheelchair and as a Christian charity we offer recipients a Bible in their own language and local people share the Christian message. However, wheelchairs are given according to need and regardless of faith. Team members speak in local venues, spreading the message of including disabled people and training church leaders. We have a policy, where possible, of establishing workshops with the aim of maintaining the chairs and also providing work for local disabled technicians. Every distribution is an adventure with challenges, surprises and occasional disappointments; but predominantly of inspiration and encouragement. How can I help Wheels for the World? We need dedicated volunteers sympathetic to our Christian ethos. Team roles include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, mechanics, an administrator, photographer, pastoral support and teaching. All team members fund themselves personally, frequently with backing from churches, work colleagues and friends. Promote Wheels for the World amongst your friends or consider holding a fundraising event on our behalf. Wheels for the World is financed by donations from churches, clubs and individuals. You can sponsor individual wheelchairs, team members or the wheelchair transport. No gift is too small or too large! For members of St Paul's, Barton, Isle of Wight the first point of call is Sue, our Vicar's wife. Perhaps you would like to be more involved in the various activities that Wheels for the World are in too. Maybe you could perhaps go abroad with Sue and be one of the team and see for yourself. Have a chat with Sue and get a better idea of helping our brothers and sisters overseas. Uganda 2010 Many of you will know that Sue went to Uganda recently with the Wheels for the World team, which I understand was very successful. One of Sue's colleagues she worked with in Uganda has written a very good and illustrated 2 page file which is available here in Adobe PDF format.
As a yearly suuporter of Wheels for the World here is a short sentence from the 'thank you' letter we received when we sent our yearly financial gift from the church this February 2010. "Dear Sue, On behalf of Wheels for the World thank you very much for the gift from St Paul'd Church, Barton of £500. Tbis is very much appreciated and it is always encouraging when we receive continuing support from a church." Wheels for the World is one of four programmes working together within Through the Roof, the other three being Churches Inc, DCF and Integr8. Telephone: 01372 749955 Fax: 01372 737040 Website: www.throughtheroof.org Email: info@throughtheroof.org PO Box 353, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5WS
Through the Roof Charitable Trust Ltd is a Registered Charity Number: 1087788 It is also a UK Registered Company number 04201510 with offices at SeeAbility House, 1a Hook Road, Epsom, KT19 8TH. |
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