Remap is a charity which makes and adapts equipment to help people with disabilities across Essex live more independently.

Run entirely by volunteers, the charity provides a free service but does ask for donations to help continue its work.

Peter Livingstone, Chairman of Remap Essex, told Nub News: "The equipment is bespoke to the individual's needs. If a product needs any adaptations, we can do that."

The charity also designs and manufactures products that are not on the market.

Remap Essex created a lift system for Geoff's mobility scooter so he could use it independently. (Photo: Remap Essex)

Peter recounted one particular story about a man named Geoff, who had polio as a child. He was unable to lift himself onto his mobility scooter.

He said: "We created a lift system which we attached to the chassis of his scooter. The man was then able to lift himself across, press the remote control and lower himself into his scooter with no problem."

One man suffering from Motor Neurone Disease requested modifications to his Turkish saz, so he could continue to play it. (Photo: Remap Essex)

He also mentioned an adaptation being made for a gentleman with Motor Neuron Disease. He wanted to be able to play his Turkish saz, an instrument similar to a guitar. However, the client was not able to lift his arm to support the instrument.

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Remap Essex is currently working on a balloon-like gadget which will inflate under the man's arm and enable him to play the instrument

Explaining the process, Peter said: "We talk to clients about the adaptations they need and take photographs and dimensions. Then, we go to our sheds and garages and make the equipment needed."

"The charity usually works alongside health professionals, occupational therapists and physiotherapists to make sure the equipment is suitable for the individual needs."

Emma, a woman with cerebral palsy, was able to take part in Burnham and Chelmsford's carnivals with the aid of a specially-adapted chariot.

Remap has engineers all over Essex, along with 70 other groups of volunteers who cover the rest of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

"The charity was created in the 1960s by a man whose wife had Parkinson's disease, and he couldn't find the needed equipment," Peter said.

"Since then, the charity has helped thousands of people with disabilities. However, outside healthcare professionals, not many people seem to know that we exist."

Most of the volunteers are retired engineers who want to "keep themselves busy" and help people in need.

For more information, or to contact Remap, visit the charity's website or call 01732 760209.

Edited by Ben Shahrabi.

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