A year after it was launched, Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children's emergency equipment loan service has made its landmark 50th Just Can't Wait provision.

Just Can't Wait (JCW) aims to deliver essential specialist equipment to the homes of end-of-life children within 72 hours of a referral from an appropriate professional being approved. The service is free of charge and operates across the whole of the UK.

The unique emergency service was launched in 2011 as a spin-off of the charity's Equipment Grant scheme as it had become apparent that some children just couldn't wait for vital equipment to be placed on order.

Newlife lead nurse Karen Dobson said:

"When we launched the service last year we were offering specialist beds, Chunc wheelchairs and portable hoists. We have since expanded our suite of JCW equipment to include comfortable seating, walking frames and other types of wheelchairs and buggies and we have items specifically earmarked for use in Northern Ireland. In addition, Newlife is currently actively fundraising to build on this service still further. We have been helping, on average, one child a week through JCW, but the service has the capacity to support many more families."

The 50th child helped through JCW was a four-year-old girl from Essex who needed a tilt-in-space wheelchair following diagnosis of a brain tumour. Since then, a further ten children have been provided with JCW equipment in quick succession and, during the past year, an additional 11 enquiries for equipment not in stock were fast-tracked by Newlife nurses.

Enquiries and referrals are be made to JCW by health care professionals. Newlife's national Nurse Helpline – 0800 902 0095 – offers information and practical support on a wide range of children's disability issues and is the first point of contact when applying for a Newlife equipment grant or Just Can't Wait loan.

Karen Dobson said:

"It is still early days for this emergency loan service and we want to make more people aware of how we can help. Because of the sensitivity surrounding applications, we are looking to fellow health professionals – in particular occupational therapists, physiotherapists, community care nurses, paediatricians and nurses working with life-limited children – to refer patients to Just Can't Wait."

The availability and range of equipment varies from day to day, depending on demands on the service, and all items are clinically cleaned, refurbished, technically tested and maintained by qualified suppliers and specialists. The cost of individual adaptations, installation, insurance, technical repairs and maintenance are covered by Newlife, at no cost to families.

Newlife CEO Sheila Brown, OBE, said:

"We have been repeatedly asked 'What's the catch?' There is no catch. Newlife is committed to supporting disabled children through awarding equipment grants, providing a nurse helpline, funding medical research and campaigning to improve services. Just Can't Wait is just one of the ways in which we can direct resources to meet the specific needs of some of the UK's most vulnerable children."

 Visit www.newlifecharity.co.uk

Are you unsure about how best to leave your loved one with a learning disability money in your will? Planning ahead can make all the difference to those close to you, and provide you with peace of mind.

At Mencap, we understand that you are probably worried about how your loved one will manage their financial affairs when you are no longer around and concerned that a large amount of money may leave them in a vulnerable position. You may also be keen to ensure that they continue to receive their benefits but still enjoy their full inheritance.

The Wills and Trusts team provide parents, families and carers with free booklets about writing wills and setting up trusts for the benefit of a loved one with a learning disability.

We also organise free seminars around England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The free two-hour seminars offer vital, specialist legal advice and give families and carers a much needed opportunity to get answers to those difficult questions - that often make the process seem so daunting.

The next Planning for the Future events coming up are:

·         Monday 17 September, 12.30pm – 2.30pm – Reading (Berkshire)

·         Tuesday 18 September, 12.30pm – 2.30pm – Salisbury (Wiltshire)

·         Wednesday 19 September, 12.30pm – 2.30pm  - Thame (Oxfordshire)

·         Thursday 20 September, 12.30pm – 2.30pm – Banbury (Oxfordshire)

·         Friday 21 September, 12.30pm – 2.30pm – Portsmouth (Hampshire)

·         Monday 8 October, 12.30pm – 2.30pm – Bristol

·         Tuesday 9 October, 12.30pm – 2.30pm – Taunton (Somerset)

·         Wednesday 10 October, 12.30pm – 2.30pm - Redruth (Cornwall)

·         Thursday 11 October, 12.30pm – 2.30pm – Paignton (Devon)

·         Friday 12 October, 12.30pm – 2.30pm – Poole (Dorset)

To book a place, please contact Gina Collins:

Tel: 020 7696 6925

E-email: willsandtrusts@mencap.org.uk or book online at: www.mencap.org.uk/pffe 

Please note places at these seminars are always very popular so please book your place as early as possible to avoid disappointment. If you cannot make the event but would like information about providing for someone with a learning disability in your will call the team on:

Tel:  020 7696 6925

Visit: www.mencap.org.uk/willsandtrusts

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tuesday 25th September, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm

Premier Inn, Marine Drive, Southport 

Suitable for those who support adults with autism and learning disability; providing useful support tips and detail of communication and sensory needs of adult with the condition. 

This short course aims to inform good practice and provide 'tools' for improving opportunities for good communication and behaviour management. 

Booking essential: email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or telephone 07904 194 743

Other dates and venues available, visit:   http://www.ukpar.org/