Motability Foundation Extends Vehicle Grant Programme

A charity has announced it will be extending funding for its ‘life-changing’ bespoke vehicle grant programme for disabled people until 2029.

The Motability Foundation, the charity which helps disabled people get around, has granted more than £15 million to disabled people as part of its Bespoke Passenger Solutions (BPS) grant since it started in 2022.

This decision to extend the programme beyond this year comes after an evaluation by the charity on the positive impact the grant programme has had on disabled people and their families. The evaluation drew on 166 survey responses from BPS beneficiaries and their families/carers, alongside five in-depth case studies and individual interviews.

Nearly 80% of carers surveyed said the BPS grant has been significant or life-changing for them.

To date, the Motability Foundation has supported 475 grants - with an average grant award of more than £31,500 towards the advanced payment for a bespoke vehicle on the Motability Scheme.

Two years ago, Tyler Dervish, 20, and his mum and dad Teresa and Warren (pictured above), based in Norfolk, received a BPS grant for their specially adapted Volkswagen Crafter.

Tyler was born with spastic quadriplegic Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease and cannot walk or sit unaided. Travelling was distressing for him before they were awarded a grant.

“We are all so grateful for this and honestly can't express how much of a difference having this vehicle has made to our family,” said Teresa.

“We couldn’t have afforded to purchase this without the help of this grant.

“Tyler is so much more comfortable now whilst travelling, thanks to the hoist and rock and roll chair. He knows if he needs to have a stretch, we can stop and do so, which we have done on numerous occasions.”

The BPS grant helps disabled people with the most profound mobility and care needs access specialist passenger solutions that offer more than just access in and out of a vehicle.

Comparing results before and after applicants received a BPS vehicle, respondents reported a 56% improvement in their social connections, a 50% improvement in wellbeing, and a 23% positive difference in getting to health appointments.

“For disabled people with multiple and profound care needs, having the right facilities inside a vehicle can make a significant difference to everyday life,” said Helen Rose, Grant Programme Manager at the Motability Foundation.

“That’s why we’re delighted to be able to continue with our BPS grant programme. The evaluation has demonstrated the positive and life changing impact BPS has on both disabled passengers and their carers, making their journeys and personal care easier to manage.”

To see all of the eligibility criteria for a grant and to find out more about BPS vehicles, visit: https://www.motabilityfoundation.org.uk/individual-grants/bespoke-passenger-solutions

Photo Credit: Liz Gregg