Human Needs
The Human Needs Fund has been at the core of Aspire's practical support for people with spinal cord injuries since the charity's inception.
The fund has helped hundreds of people with spinal cord injuries purchase specialist equipment, such as wheelchairs and IT equipment, through the provision of hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of grants.
Shortfalls in NHS provision of equipment, such as wheelchairs, remains one of the biggest obstacles facing people with spinal cord injuries. In October 2006 the Department of Health recognised that, "without change and investment, wheelchair services will not be able to meet the expectations of users or the current health and social care agendas." Aspire is campaigning to make that change and investment happen but, in the meantime, our Human Needs Fund aims to ensure that people with spinal cord injuries have access to the most appropriate equipment to meet their lifestyle goals and enable them to live their lives to the full.
The specialised equipment that the grants pay for, from lightweight or powered wheelchairs to stair climbers, recliner beds and personal computers all enable people with spinal cord injuries achieve their potential.
If you would like to apply for a Human Needs Grant, please read our application guidelines and download an application form.
For more information, email kim.elliott@aspire.org.uk