NHS wheelchair service provider AJM Healthcare has given emergency support to Cornwall Powerchair Football Club after the club was unexpectedly required to leave its training and storage site at Carn Brea Leisure Centre, placing the future of its sessions at risk.
Powerchair football training is currently taking place at temporary venues, meaning players and coaches had to constantly transport equipment between locations. That quickly became impractical and not a viable long-term solution, so a safe and secure storage space was needed for the six specialist powerchairs.
After becoming aware of the situation, Jason Clutterbuck, Logistics Manager at AJM Healthcare in Plymouth, helped Cornwall Powerchair Football Club by coordinating temporary storage arrangements. This ensured the club could fulfil its final league commitments and gave players, coaches and volunteers valuable breathing space while they continue to locate a permanent training spot.
AJM Healthcare has also committed to supporting the next stage of the move. Once Cornwall Powerchair Football Club secures a suitable long-term facility, AJM have agreed to help transport the powerchairs from the temporary storage space to the new venue.
Training twice a month, Cornwall Powerchair Football Club provides disabled players from across the county with opportunities to train, compete and enjoy the confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging that come from being part of a team.
Jason Clutterbuck, Logistics Manager at AJM Healthcare (Plymouth), said: “When we became aware of the situation the immediate priority was to make sure the club’s powerchairs had a safe and secure home.
“These chairs are vital in enabling players to train and compete. Moving them back and forth for every session was not a realistic option.
“We were pleased to provide temporary storage to Cornwall Powerchair Football Club, and we hope the team can now move on from the uncertainty of recent weeks and refocus their energy and efforts on competing in the South West Powerchair Football League. We wish them every success in the season ahead.”
Annette Lee, secretary, coach and player at Cornwall Powerchair Football Club, said: “AJM Healthcare’s support came at a crucial time for the club. Knowing our six powerchairs were safely stored meant we could focus on performing the best we could in matches and reduced lots of stress while we search for the right long-term venue.
“Without the support of AJM Healthcare, the situation had the potential to significantly affect future opportunities for disabled players across Cornwall to train, compete and remain involved in powerchair football – we cannot thank them enough!”
The support reflects the wider relationship between AJM and the Powerchair Football community. AJM Choice, the private mobility division backed by AJM Healthcare, has a three-year partnership with The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA).
Through AJM Choice’s support on delivery and development, the WFA Academy has been established to strengthen the long-term development of players and leaders within Powerchair Football.
The partnership comes as both organisations share a strong commitment to empowering wheelchair users, promoting independence, and creating opportunities for people to lead active and fulfilling lives.
AJM Healthcare Supports Cornwall Powerchair Football Club After Venue Loss