Disabled employee at work

Whizz-Kidz has launched a new membership programme that will bring companies together to champion young wheelchair users and build a more inclusive society.

The ‘Business Alliance’ initiative was born out of an online discussion, chaired by actress and Whizz-Kidz patron Ruth Madeley, where a panel of business leaders examined how organisations can adapt their operations to be more inclusive in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Now the charity that provides vital equipment, support and life skills for disabled children has created the new Business Alliance programme, giving companies the opportunity to make these adaptations and demonstrate their support for Whizz-Kidz.

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Membership provides access to a range of benefits, explains Whizz-Kidz, as well as a network of like-minded organisations working together to support young wheelchair users.

The programme consists of three levels of membership: Member (£5,000 per year), Partner (£10,000 per year), and Patron (£20,000 per year).

According to the charity, the money raised from the partnerships will enable Whizz-Kidz to reach young people and provide the support they need, including wheelchair skills training, activity clubs, as well as work experience and employability training.

The programme has seen Barratt Developments, one of the UK’s largest property development companies, throw its support behind the initiative as the founding patron of the Business Alliance.

“We have worked with Whizz-Kidz for a number of years now and each time we interact with them we learn something new, inspiring us to do better,” commented David Thomas, CEO at Barratts Developments.

“We’re supporting the Business Alliance because we have already been lucky enough to see what a valuable contribution Whizz-Kidz and their Kidz Board can make in helping our business to be as welcoming and accommodating as possible to employees, customers and visitors.”

The launch of the new initiative comes as many charities have faced difficulties in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak, with many fundraising activities and events being cancelled during a time when demand for services has peaked.

Matt Wynes, Director of Fundraising at Whizz-Kidz, said: “We are very excited to launch the Business Alliance and can’t thank Barratts Developments enough for signing up as a Founding Patron. We know the right equipment and support opens up a world of possibility and helps young people reach their full potential. But there are huge barriers that still hold young wheelchair users back.

“We are determined to break down those barriers that young wheelchair users and their families face in everyday life. But we can’t do it without the help of businesses like Barratts Developments. Together, with more supporters through the Business Alliance, we will strive to make everyday obstacles, the everyday possible.”

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