Wizzybugs are finally wizzing over to Northern Ireland!
< back to blogWe are pleased to announce that the Wizzybug Loan Scheme is now available to families living in Northern Ireland for the first time.
The Wizzybug Loan Scheme, which provides free, fun, powered wheelchairs called Wizzybugs to children under 5, will be managed by Designability, an English based charity and delivered by us, the Mae Murray Foundation. To date, Wizzybugs have been loaned to over 600 children, who have mobility difficulties due to cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy and other conditions.
Designability is a national charity transforming the lives of disabled people and those living with a long term health condition through the design of assistive technology. Their aim is for people to achieve greater independence and happiness in their lives – goals that benefit all of society. Over the last 50 years they have created over 300 products which have changed the lives of over 250,000 people.
Alex Leach, Early Years Powered Mobility Manager, Designability, said: “We have wanted to extend the reach of the Wizzybug Loan Scheme to families in Northern Ireland for some time and we are so pleased to be partnering with the Mae Murray Foundation, an inspiring charity based in Larne, to finally get there. I am so looking forward to seeing the first child in Northern Ireland enjoying their independence with a Wizzybug!”
Alix Crawford, Chairperson of Mae Murray Foundation, added: ‘As a ‘lived experience’ and membership led charity, we are delighted to be able to respond to requests from families to introduce Wizzybug in Northern Ireland. Championing another ‘first’ for the province, by linking with the experienced professionals at Designability, we can’t wait to see the impact this will make.’
If you know a child aged 14 months – 5 years from Northern Ireland who could benefit from a free Wizzybug, we would love to hear from you.
To find out more about the Wizzybug Loan Scheme, please visit https://designability.org.uk/meet-wizzybug/loan-a-wizzybug/ and complete the online form. Alternatively, you can call the Designability occupational therapy team on 01225 824103.