The Foundation has established a partnership with Whizz-Kidz, to deliver 12 ‘Kidz Max Days’ over the next three years for at least 220 young wheelchair users across the UK, providing specially adapted activities like rock climbing, abseiling, water sports and much more!
The key focus of the partnership will be to enable young wheelchair users to be more independent, socially engaged and enjoy improved health and wellbeing.
This summer, Whizz-Kidz, the leading charity for young wheelchair users in the UK, will host four adventurous multi-activity days including adapted rock climbing, abseiling and water sports aiming to host 60 young disabled people and their families. This has been made possible thanks to generous funding from the Foundation, and will give young people the opportunity to try fun new activities that may otherwise be inaccessible to them.
The four events for 2022 will take place in Oldbury 16th July (West Midlands), Port Talbot 9th August (Wales), Staines 11th August (Surrey) and one event on 21st August in Fife, Lochore Meadows Country Park (Scotland).
The accessible, inclusive outdoor activities and clubs that Whizz-Kidz already run across the UK are extremely popular and show the appetite that is out there for outdoor fun, that is specifically tailored for a range of abilities.
"There is nothing in our local community that I’m aware of for young wheelchair users to challenge themselves and meet others in similar positions. Whizz-Kidz has allowed us to meet families with whom we can share support and make meaningful friendships. We loved Skiing and now try to take Willz regularly. You have made him feel less isolated and given him the realisation that there are many wheelchair users out there."
The initial Kidz Max Days pilot scheme that launches in Summer 2022 will aim to host 60 young wheelchair users and their families. Building on its success, Whizz-Kidz plan to then host four Kidz Max Days each year for a further two years, growing in capacity to be able to include up to a further 160 young people and their families. The adventurous activities will be designed to encourage everyone to push the boundaries of what they thought was possible for a wheelchair user, building confidence, and raising aspirations for the future.
