Cllr Dave Naghi Backs Local Lifeline Mobility Service After Red Cross Exit
When the British Red Cross shut its local mobility aid service last year, a group of dedicated Maidstone volunteers refused to let vulnerable people go without support.
Twelve former Red Cross volunteers—many in their sixties, seventies, and eighties—set up Wheeleasy Mobility, a not-for-profit that now provides wheelchairs, walking aids, and toileting equipment to people in urgent need across the borough.
Supported by Liberal Democrat Cllr Dave Naghi, Wheeleasy has already loaned over 100 wheelchairs in just eight months and is helping patients get home safely from hospital—often on the same day they’re discharged.
“Wheeleasy is grassroots action at its best,” said Cllr Naghi. “When national support was withdrawn, our community stepped up. This service is saving NHS beds, saving families from stress, and restoring people’s independence.”
Lead volunteer Pauline Mcshea said that delays in NHS provision and the centralisation of Red Cross services meant many families had nowhere to turn. “We get calls from people in real distress. Their loved one is ready to leave hospital, but without a wheelchair or walker, they can’t get out the door. That’s where we come in.”
The group operates from Hermitage Court, thanks to generous support from Gallagher Group, who provided two site cabins rent-free. Wheeleasy also runs a reuse scheme, collecting crutches and other aids for cleaning and redistribution—saving the NHS thousands of pounds.
Families are only asked to contribute what they can—wheelchair hire is just £22 per week, and no one is turned away for lack of funds.
“This is about dignity and kindness,” said Pauline. “And we’re just getting started.”
📩 Get in Touch
- Email: info@wemobility.co.uk
- Website: Wheel Easy
- Open: Tues, Wed, Fri 10:30–1 | Thurs 1:30–4 | Sat 10–12
- Location: Hermitage Court, Maidstone
Donations of equipment, volunteers, and referrals are warmly welcomed.
