As we reflect on a year where so much has been achieved, we look ahead to an exciting new chapter—a chance to come together, reflect, and push further. Together, we can elevate community equipment to the very centre of social care.
This journey isn’t just about tools or services; it’s about people. It’s about dignity, independence, and the freedom to live the life you choose.
Because Equipment Changes Lives
Community equipment loaned to people by the NHS and social care might not always make the headlines. It’s not a shiny innovation or a dazzling gadget. It’s the simple, functional items that we rely on every day: for example, a perching stool, a commode, or a walking aid. To many, these might seem unremarkable. But for those of us who depend on them, they’re life-changing.
*Take a commode, for example. To some, it’s just another piece of kit. But for me, it’s the reason I’ve been able to stay in my own home, in my own community, with the people I love. When I can’t get to the loo—when fatigue takes hold and my mobility fails—it means I don’t have to panic. I don’t have to feel trapped or unsafe. That commode has given me dignity and choice. It’s small, but it’s powerful. * Isaac Samuels
Why This Work Matters
In 2024, we’ve been part of something bold and ambitious. Alongside Medequip, we—a passionate group of people with lived experience—have been on a co-production journey through the Equipment Matters group. At its heart, it’s simple: those who use (or don’t use) equipment shape how it’s delivered, designed, and valued.
What makes this work so special is that Medequip didn’t just gather a group of voices—they actively listened, learned, and changed. They worked with us to rethink their processes, improve their services, and raise the national profile of co-production in equipment spaces. They’ve not just talked the talk; they’ve walked the walk.
That takes courage. It takes vision. It takes belief in the power of relationships—relationships that can sometimes be difficult. We’ve not always agreed; we’ve had moments of tension. But we’ve found a way through because we’re all driven by a shared passion and belief that co-production works.
Jacqui Darlington reflects on this beautifully: "Co-production isn’t just about asking the right questions. It’s about creating the right environment for real conversations to take place, even when they’re tough."
Our group is something special. We’re diverse in age, background, and experience—black and brown voices, LGBT+ voices, older people, younger people. We’ve come together because we believe in something bigger than ourselves.
Our Achievements So Far
We’ve learned a lot. Together, we’ve had discussions and made progress in three key areas:
Elevating Equipment in Social Care
For too long, community equipment has been treated as an afterthought. It’s not given the same attention as other areas of social care, like workforce development or digital transformation. But why not? Equipment is just as critical, and we’re shouting that from the rooftops.
Timely, Person-Centred Provision
Equipment delays are devastating. One of our group members put it perfectly: “If you don’t know when your equipment’s going to arrive, it’s like your time has no value. You can’t plan. You can’t even go to the toilet. You’re just stuck, waiting.” Alex Cowan
That isn’t just stressful—it’s dehumanising. Everyone deserves equipment that works for them, arrives on time, and respects their needs.
Reimagining Design
Most equipment is dull—white, blue, or brown. Who decided homes should look like hospitals? We’re asking why equipment can’t be functional and beautiful. Why not design things that people are proud to have in their homes?
The Power of Co-Production
Co-production isn’t easy. It takes time, patience, and trust. It requires people to sit in discomfort, listen, and compromise. But it’s also where the magic happens. It’s where real innovation begins.
At its heart, co-production is about saying: “Nothing about us, without us.” It’s about recognising that lived experience has value—that those of us who use equipment, or live without it, know best what works and what doesn’t.
Over the last 12 months, we’ve proven that co-production isn’t just possible—it’s essential. From commissioning to delivery, design to feedback, we’ve shown that when people are part of the conversation, the conversation changes. It moves from being dry and technical to hopeful, visionary, and transformative.
No Decisions About Equipment Without Us
If there’s one thing we ask you to take away, it’s this: there should be no decisions made about equipment without involving people. Co-production works. It’s not just a buzzword—it’s the future.
Our Activities and Achievements
In 2024, we participated in key events such as the NAEP (National Association of Equipment Providers) Conference and the National Children and Adults Services (NCASC) Conference. These provided opportunities to share our vision and highlight the importance of aesthetics in equipment design.
We’ve also been engaging with producers, encouraging both large and small companies to consider lived experiences in their designs. This has inspired new thinking about the intersection of functionality and aesthetics in equipment provision.
Our ongoing projects include collaborating with task and finish groups focused on design improvement and expanding co-production practices.
Celebrating the Journey
2024 was a bold, brave year. Together, we challenged assumptions, built relationships, and made progress. And we’re not stopping here.
Because equipment matters. And people matter. Always.
Meet the Team
Our passionate working group includes:
- Barbara Howard
- Jacqui Darlington
- Alex Cowan
- Roy Marsh
- Liz Mackenzie
- Matt Ward
- Nigel Cook
- Isaac Samuels
- Angela Catley
- Paul Rackham
- Michaela Harris
Looking Ahead: Join Us!
There’s still so much to do, but we’re proud of how far we’ve come. As we move into the new year, we’re calling on you—organisations, providers, and individuals—to join us in campaigning for better community equipment.
We’re dreaming of a future where equipment isn’t just "good enough"—it’s life-changing. We’re working towards a system where equipment provision centres people’s lives, needs, and dignity.
We’ll be gathering soon to reflect, plan, and push even further. Keep an eye out for our future work, and most importantly, come and join our movement.
Follow our journey and get involved by visiting our web page Equipment Matters and keep an eye out for posts on social media channels from Equipment Matters. Together, we can make a difference in creating a community equipment service that values dignity, independence, aesthetics, and freedom.
Isaac Samuels