Immediate release
Whizz-Kidz and Hannah Cockroft launch new
network for disabled families
Tuesday 29 September: Today disabled children’s charity Whizz-Kidz launches a
new Parents Network – with backing from the Department for Education; fronted by
Patron Hannah Cockroft MBE.
The charity’s new online based Parents Network aims to help mums, dads and
extended families navigate the support they need, in light of changes to support for
young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) which came
into force on September 1st.
Whizz-Kidz Patron Hannah Cockroft recalls her own family’s experiences growing
up, ‘My fighting spirit has been a reoccurring theme throughout my life, and saw me
go on to attend mainstream nursery, primary and secondary schools and coming out
with top grades.
‘As long as my family are behind me, I’ve always been determined to go on to great
things. I’m backing Whizz-Kidz’s Parents Network, in order to support other mums
and dad’s get the help and advice they need to support their kids to achieve their
potential.’
In a recent Whizz-Kidz consultation, parents of disabled youngsters reported they
often felt overwhelmed – and didn’t have other parents to talk to about their situation.
Jo, from the South East of England, has an 11 year old daughter called Lucy with a
spinal condition, and told Whizz-Kidz, ‘Unless you’ve got a disabled child you don’t
realise how life consuming it can be.’
As part of the Parents Network, Whizz-Kidz is teaming up with Mumsnet on a new
forum - to support mums and dads of disabled young people to talk to others and
find their way through what can often be a maze of information.
Justine Roberts, CEO of Mumsnet said, ‘We’re delighted to be working with WhizzKidz to invite the mums, dads and extended families that use the charity’s services to
share advice and support in our new joint forum.’
Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson said: ‘Engagement with children,
young people and their families is at the heart of our SEND reforms – and it’s great
that it is also the principle behind Whizz-Kidz’ Parents Network.
‘The fantastic platform will be very useful in helping families share experiences,
discuss ideas and develop relationships. I look forward to seeing what questions and
issues are raised once it goes live.’
Ruth Owen OBE, Chief Executive of Whizz-Kidz, said: ‘As a wheelchair user myself,
I know how hard it can be to navigate the public services required of day-to-day life and I’m an adult! Parents - particularly those who don’t have friends with disabled
kids - often worry more than their children do as they face a system of struggle just
trying to do what’s best for their families.
‘Whizz-Kidz has more than 24 years of supporting disabled children with
wheelchairs, training and skills, and we’ve gained a huge wealth of experience and
expertise which we can offer parents through our new online resources – and our
joint forum with the wonderful Mumsnet.’
To sign up to Whizz-Kidz’s Parents Network and to learn more, visit
http://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/get-our-help/parents-network. Join in the discussion on
Mumsnet at http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/whizz_kidz.
Whizz-Kidz provides disabled children and young people with vital mobility
equipment, opportunities to meet and have fun, and training to help them gain skills
and look forward to a bright future.
-Ends –
To find out more contact Rob Dyson, Whizz-Kidz Public Relations Manager on
r.dyson@whizz-kidz.org.uk or 020 7798 6103.
Notes to Editors

Hannah Cockroft MBE received her first sports wheelchair from Whizz-Kidz 6
years ago and became a Patron of the charity in 2013.

Whizz-Kidz undertook 130 interviews and focus groups between 2013 - 2014
with parents of children who use its local services, to gain the everyday
experiences of families, from which it drew testimonials and key themes.

Whizz-Kidz has changed the lives of over 18,000 disabled children since 1990
- often literally overnight. The charity estimates there are still over 70,000
children in the UK waiting for the right equipment to fit their young lives.

The right wheelchair and mobility equipment is not automatically provided on
the NHS. Whizz-Kidz aims to work where possible with local NHS services,
and aims to ensure that much-needed improvements are made in delivering
wheelchair services for children in the UK.