Special Needs equipment support / preloved

[Icantthinkofastupidname]

Hello!

I'm just wondering if anyone knows of either the best places to look for preloved/second hand equipment for special needs children or anywhere to look for grants to purchase?

In particular, we have just been given our first wheelchair (ormesa bug) and I need to purchase a rain cover and sun canopy for it, which is around £250.

He does get middle rate DLA, but that all goes on physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, so money is a bit tight, so I'm hoping I can either pick a set up somewhere second hand or get some support to purchase a set.

Thank you!

It is worth asking around at your local parent carer forum, other local support groups, local charities. When I have passed on or sold equipment, that is how I have done it.

GEMZ sell second hand SN buggies. They might have a second hand rain cover and sun canopy for the Ormesa Bug.

You could also look at Skiggle.

There are many charities who offer grants. For example, Boparan Trust, Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust, Children Today, CrackerJack, AFK, and Hospital Saturday fund. However, a lot of the time they don’t offer grants only for what many charities call ‘accessories’ (terrible term because that makes them sound frivolous).

Does DS have an EHCP? If so, physio and hydro can be funded via that.

Thank you! Some great suggestions there.

He doesn't have an EHCP yet as he's only 16month but we plan on starting that ball rolling when he's around 2. He does have NHS physio, but that's only once every 6weeks and we want to try and boost his development as much as we can.

There is no reason you can’t request an EHCNA now.

Irrelevant to your original question, but if you are anywhere near Ingfield Manor School in West Sussex or Paces in Sheffield they offer free sessions for young children. There are other places who offer free sessions as well, but I can’t remember them off the top of my head. There are also places that charge for sessions but not the market rate e.g. the Rainbow Centre in Hampshire.

There's an active facebook group you could ask on https://www.facebook.com/groups/SNEUK

Sorry this is irrelevant but my daughters just been fitted for the bug, I know you've said you've only just got it but so far how are you finding it? Ive seen some mixed reviews

Sorry I didnt mean to quote you on my other reply and I dont know how to undo it 😂

@LocoCoco13 don’t worry.

When DS1 was younger he had an Ormesa Bug (the previous version before its facelift). DS1 and I liked it. We also had a special tomato jogger (don’t ask why we had 2), DH preferred that.

He outgrew those; he now has a Delichon Delta and an Axiom phoenix. They both make smaller sizes than the version we have. Out of those two, we all prefer the Delichon. Although the Axiom is better when DS1 has a nap.

If I had to compare the Ormesa Bug and the Delichon, they are probably about even overall just pros and cons in different areas and best in different situations.

Thank you for the feedback much appreciate it 😊