Wheelchair Collective Launches First UK Council for User Representation
Wheelchair users across Wales and the wider United Kingdom are being actively encouraged to apply for positions within The Wheelchair Collective. This pioneering initiative represents the first national council specifically created to amplify the voices of wheelchair users and directly influence how essential wheelchair services are designed and delivered throughout the UK.
A Council Built on Lived Experience
Spearheaded by the Wheelchair Alliance—a dedicated community interest company campaigning tirelessly for improved wheelchair provision—the new council is founded on the principle of placing lived experience at the very heart of decision-making processes. Its core mission is to drive meaningful and sustainable improvements to services that impact an estimated 1.2 million wheelchair users across the nation.
National Recruitment Drive Now Open
Recruitment is officially underway for voluntary regional representatives across the UK. The Wheelchair Collective is seeking passionate ambassadors from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Midlands, London, East of England, North East and Yorkshire, North West, South East, and South West. In addition to these regional roles, the council will also appoint a dedicated Youth Leader and Chair to ensure comprehensive representation.
Bridging Communities and Policy Makers
As a consultative and advisory body, council members will serve as a vital link between local communities and national decision-makers. Their primary role will be to ensure that the real-world experiences, daily challenges, and key priorities of wheelchair users are heard and integrated into national policy, strategic planning, and frontline service delivery.
Commitment and Vision for Change
Successful applicants will be asked to commit to a two or three-year term. Their duties will include attending quarterly virtual meetings and participating in one national in-person event annually. This structured approach aims to foster consistent and impactful advocacy.
Nick Goldup, CEO of the Wheelchair Alliance, emphasised the council's critical importance: "Currently, there is no unified structure that represents wheelchair users’ collective interests on a national scale. This gap has unfortunately led to fragmented service provision and a postcode lottery for support. The Wheelchair Collective will play a vital role in informing the highest levels of government and NHS England, shaping wheelchair provision services for the benefit of all users nationwide."
Funding and Support
The initiative has been made possible through generous funding from the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF), an independent charity that supports rugby players who have sustained life-changing injuries. This crucial backing has enabled the creation of this UK-wide, representative council.
Applications for this groundbreaking opportunity to shape the future of wheelchair services close on Friday, February 6, 2026.
