REMAP
I used my wheels in London to get Lambeth. REMAP is a charity that helps disabled people become more independent by developing equipment to help with daily tasks such as mobility, personal care, and eating. The equipment can also enable the client to pursue a hobby or ambition, such as participating in a sport or art activity.
The mission of REMAP is to improve the quality of life for people who experience short — or long-term disability due to infirmity, illness, or ageing. This is done by making and adapting equipment to meet the unique needs of individuals at no cost to them.
The equipment is produced by a team of dedicated volunteers nationwide.
I was asked if I would be interested in becoming a REMAP trustee. I had heard of REMAP and its fantastic work and was pleased to accept the role.
On Thursday, September 12th, REMAP held its Trustee quarterly meeting at Roots & Shoots in Lambeth. It was a great opportunity to meet the staff and board of Trustees in person.
How would I get there?
But how would I get there? Using my wheels in London, my journey started with a chilly dive from my home at 0720 to High Wycombe train station, where I had pre-booked virtual tickets. The Chiltern Railway staff at the station are always very helpful. As I have arranged assistance through the Passenger App, they know I am coming and are happy to assist me on an already busy train.
On I Get, and Away We Go
The train must be nearly at maximum capacity. There are three further stops before we reach the end of the line at Marylebone, and I’m sitting in the wheelchair space, trying not to make eye contact with people and hoping no one standing in front of me has any gas!
I disembark at Marylebone with assistance quickly. The station staff just put the ramp down for me. I head towards the turnstile. As I’m propelling along, thinking I need to stop to activate my mobile device so the ticket can be read by the faregate. The platform exit is busy; I know if I stop, I’ll be in the way, but I get waved to a turnstile. With thanks, while waving my phone screen at the operator, I get let through and head towards the station exit, dodging people stopping to look at the departure boards, checking their phones or looking at the digital clock.
This is Where the Fun Starts!
Rolling out of the station, I’m at Melcombe Place, heading towards Glouster Place. I’ve been through this route on Google Maps many times. I’m attempting to push to Roots & Shoots in Lambeth. Or get as far as I can. When I get to Buckingham Palace, I’ll consider my options and whether to get a taxi. If I see the Crazy Ginger Cabbie, I’ll definitely jump in if he’s not got a fare.
Using Wheelchair Skills
Using my wheelchair in London, with confidence and an excellent pushing technique, lifting my front casters when I come to a dodgy bit of paving or a kerb I need to negotiate, it’s not long before I’m outside the King’s gaff. This is after rolling down Glouscter Place, crossing Oxford Street and using several other roads. Admitting I might have taken a wrong turn somewhere. At one point, I was sat in Berkley Square for some unplanned reason – this wasn’t on my original route! I cross the A4 and enter Green Park to reappear by Canada Gate. There are tourists already outside Buck House.
Vauxhall Bridge Road
Then, I passed the house with big gates on my right and headed towards Vauxhall. The flagstone paving is quite treacherous. Subsequently, if I make one wrong move, I’ll be on the floor — looking stupid! I’m not sure where I’m going, but I have plenty of time, so I’ve decided not to get a cab. I managed to get to Buck House in about 30 minutes, so let’s keep going!
Moving on, using my wheels in London and taking a few lefts and a couple of rights, I find myself on Vauxhall Bridge Road. This is perfect. I need to follow the road to get to the bridge.
The bridge has a lot of traffic, but the path is nice enough to push along. Continuing, I descend to the other side to find an even busier Vauxhall Station. Should I taxi from here?
I Can’t Find a Taxi
Strangely, I can’t find a taxi rank. In fact, I see taxis passing me, but none seem to be free. I decided to check Google Maps, and it tells me it’s only a 20-minute walk to my destination. Furthermore, I can push that distance in less time. Immediately, not wasting any more time, I continue.
Using my wheels in London along the A3204 and onto Kennington Road, stopping several times to check the map, I soon made it into Lambeth, not realising I’d been through part of Kennington on my way.
REMAP Trustee Meeting
REMAP has hired Roots & Shoots for the trustee board meeting. Two new potential trustees are also present. There, they will experience the charity, which will help them decide whether to become trustee board members.
The Journey Home
The meeting finished. Indeed, Trustees worked together to make decisions, monitor activities, and govern the running of REMAP to ensure continued support for people who need it.
After hands are shaken, jackets are donned, and goodbyes are said.
Furthermore, with my return journey, I’m determined to see how far I can get using my wheelchair skills to wheel confidently through London. I arrive back on the North bank of the Thames. Hence, I decided to jump in a taxi to avoid getting lost again!
Many thanks for posting Stuart, a very inspiring account of using your wheelchair skills across London. Great to hear that you’re a REMAP Trustee!
FYI: We, (the National Star College), have had a long working relationship with the Gloucester REMAP Panel. They have made a massive difference in meeting our students needs over the years and are highly respected.
Keep up the good work!