Trust steps in to help pay for Mia’s Motability wheels

Mia, a wheelchair user who has a learning and physical disabilities, epilepsy and sensory loss, moved into a Field Lane supported living project on her 18th Birthday. Prior to this, she had been living with a foster family.

The transition to Field Lane, where she has different people taking care of her and she is sharing her home with other young adults, was not an easy one. Gradually, with the support of the staff and her foster family, who are still in touch, Mia started to settle down and enjoy the new experiences now opening up to her.

She has begun to explore the world around her, including going out in the evenings to various social events. However, having to rely on public transport, which is often difficult with her wheelchair, has limited these outings. Given how well things are going with her development, staff thought that Mia would really benefit from owning her own transport through the Motability Scheme. The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to get mobile by exchanging their mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter, powered wheelchair or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV).

But there is a cost; a deposit of £1,800 is needed to make this possible. With no family or savings, the Stephen Cockburn Charitable Trust has stepped in. Their generous donation will make a huge difference to Mia’s quality of life. With the help of the Motability Scheme she will be able to attend after school clubs and social events in her own time and at her own pace. Mia will be able to make her own choices and lead a more independent life.