Times are tough for disabled people right now. That’s why your support today could be life-changing.

When people lose their independence, their world can shrink. Just going to the shops, an appointment or meeting a friend for a coffee can become impossible when you lose someone you depend on or your confidence to use public transport.

Andrew* found navigating public transport in his electric wheelchair so stressful he didn’t have the confidence to leave his house for four years.

“This had a huge impact on my day-to-day life and didn’t help my mental health because I felt very isolated and frustrated.” Andrew*

But a call to our Transport Advice Service gave him the information he needed to get mobile again. Our advisor thought he would benefit from a Transport for London (TFL) advisor who gave him the confidence to start using public transport again. It was a service he had never heard of but opened his world back up to him. Now he makes trips all over London, goes to rugby matches and recently took his niece out to buy her a birthday present.

When Mahes lost her husband, she lost her cherished partner and her mobility. Her husband was the sole driver and took her to appointments and to see friends, but without him she didn’t have the confidence to drive herself or travel on public transport and she became lonely and withdrawn. But a call to our Travel Advice Service told her about a local service that runs minibus trips. Not only did it mean she was able to to get out and about again but she has met many new friends, opening her world back up.

“She’s thoroughly enjoyed going on these group visits. In particular, she developed some new friendships. This has been a godsend.” Mohan, Mahes’s son.

When a visual impairment forced Ann to give up driving, she found her personal independence shrinking and her world closing off. Feeling increasingly isolated, but unaware of all the options open to her, Ann decided to go to a local QEF event, where she met one of our Transport Advice Service team. 

 It was Ann’s first step towards opening her world back up. Alongside letting Ann know about all the services and benefits available to her, our advisor also referred her for a mobility scooter assessment at QEF Mobility Services. 

Despite feeling nervous about the potential impact of her eye impairment, after a comprehensive evaluation our Occupational Therapist delivered the fantastic news that Ann could use a mobility scooter! Now, Ann has her world back.

Whatever someone’s mobility needs, QEF Transport Advice Services are all about helping people to open their world back up. That could be giving someone the freedom of driving when they thought it was impossible. It could be getting someone the scooter or wheelchair that’s right for their needs. Or it could simply be the support and advice to navigate public transport more confidently. 

Sadly, our Transport Advice Service is losing its government funding. But your gift today will help to protect and expand personal independence for disabled people of all ages. Right now, it’s never been more needed. 

Will you help ensure that QEF can keep helping people who have become isolated and lonely by donating using the form below?

Thank you for being a part of this life-changing work.

* Name has been changed at client’s request.