Medequip is working with local organisation wHoo Cares to support people living on the Hoo Peninsula in Medway — by improving access to essential community equipment services and helping people live safely and independently at home.
The collaboration was developed through discussions between Medequip, Medway Council commissioners, and Medway Voluntary Action, who introduced Medequip to wHoo Cares — a not-for-profit community organisation dedicated to improving wellbeing and tackling isolation across the Hoo Peninsula.
As a national provider working across many areas Medequip understands the importance of local connections, so is looking for ways to work with community organisations like wHoo Cares.
Following the completion of staff training, the wHoo Cares’ team are now paid to carry out Planned Preventative Maintenance visits such as Portable Appliance Testing on a selected range of community equipment across the more remote areas of the Hoo Peninsula. These visits help ensure equipment remains safe, compliant and in good working order, and ensure people know about the great support and connections wHoo Cares can provide.
The collaboration has also introduced a new community equipment return point in Allhallows, making it easier for people to return equipment that is no longer needed. This initiative supports Medway and Medequip’s sustainability goals by helping to increase equipment reuse and reduce waste.
Matt Clarke, Operations Manager at Medequip, said: “This partnership is a great example of how Medequip brings together local knowledge and national expertise to deliver real benefits for people using our services.
Working with wHoo Cares allows us to reach people in some of Medway’s more remote areas, providing timely equipment maintenance and creating easier ways to return items for reuse. At the same time, it gives wHoo Cares a sustainable income stream to help fund the incredible work they already do in their community.
By collaborating in this way, we’re supporting people, building stronger community relationships, and creating a more responsive and inclusive service for everyone.”
Barry Andrews, Operations Manager at wHoo Cares, said: “wHoo Cares are excited to join this partnership with a great, trusted company such as Medequip.
Supporting residents of the Hoo Peninsula with their well-being is at our hearts and this partnership gives us a new avenue in which we can do this. It is really great to have Medequip support our work and be able to see the difference we make to residents. With a fantastic group of over 80 volunteers we aim to ensure Medequip equipment is in good order and be able to identify where others may benefit from items.”
Looking ahead, Phase Two of the partnership will see Medequip supporting wHoo Cares staff to become Trusted Assessors, enabling them to prescribe some types of equipment directly using Medequip’s equipment ordering platform. This will help people get essential equipment more quickly, reducing waiting lists and supporting Medway’s prevention and early intervention agenda.
This is one of the initiatives demonstrating Medequip’s commitment to working in partnership with community organisations, to strengthen community ties and to ensure that services are shaped around the people who use them.