A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hello! My name is Irene.

I have been associated with the FREEWHEELERS for 37 years, since my disabled daughter said the group was desperate for someone to make the tea. Then there were just a handful of members to serve, nowadays over 100 cups of tea are made throughout a meeting. For the last 25 years I have been the FREEWHEELERS President and I am really proud of the work it does and its continuing achievements.

The PHAB FREEWHEELERS proves how richly rewarding a positive approach can be and it demonstrates how, if you look for potential rather for limitations; all sorts of jackpots can be won.
From an idea of one inspired Social Worker who in 1973 recognised the need in Stoke-on-Trent for a youth club style group where disabled and able bodied people could meet together, the PHAB FREEWHEELERS evolved and has become a well respected and worthwhile organisation.
Obviously, this success story didn’t simply happen, but was due to a great deal of hard work, dedication and determination from a band of people who over the years have given their time, energy and skill for the benefit of the group. In return these supporters can take pride in knowing they have created a valued organisation; one which is worthy of belonging to.
In simple terms, the FREEWHEELERS brings together people with and without disabilities to share different interests and to enjoy each other’s company, but in reality the FREEWHEELERS has a much greater influence upon the way we lead our lives.
In seizing every opportunity to emphasise the equality of each individual, the PHAB FREEWHEELERS has taught and goes on teaching, a diversity of people to make the most of their abilities, of their friendships, of their ambitions and of their lives.
Respect for one another, the way we treat each other, the use of sensitive language, the need to recognise a person’s unique potential and ability, are the lessons learned as disabled and able bodied people mix together and it will influence the rest of their lives.
This influence is evident in the career changes made by many able bodied members who after helping with the club have decided to enter the caring profession. It can be seen also in the effect members have had on one another. The marriages that have taken place, the relationships formed. The great friendships forged, which seem to have a quality that time and distance fail to sever.
	This influence has prompted able bodied members to give many years of loyal service; for some it has spanned 25 years, but the greatest influence the FREEWHEELERS has bestowed, is upon the many people with disabilities who, having become members soon begin to get more self-confident and out-going. They begin to enjoy the freedom, company, opportunities and fulfilment that everybody expects from life and all of a sudden their lives become more worthwhile, meaningful and so much more fun.

Looking back over the years the FREEWHEELERS has made great strides forward for people with disabilities within Stoke-on-Trent. During the 1980's it breathed life into what was at the time a very drab community for disabled people. Firstly, it provided expert guidance and monetary support to the North Staffordshire Spastic Association; revitalising the management of their day centre. Generous sponsorship established two further PHAB groups; the Five Towns PHAB Club and the Stoke-on-Trent Junior PHAB Club, and another offshoot was the disability information service; DIAL North Staffordshire, which was given a vital starter grant and managerial support.

Throughout the years we have witnessed many changes take place. Changes of emphasis within the group, changes within everyday society and most importantly of all, changes in the way in which people with disabilities are perceived. The group's behind the scenes fight, for better education and employment opportunities, access to buildings and public transport, choices in care services, adequate housing and equal leisure amenities, will hopefully help to bring about the improvements in today's society which we all want to see take place.

Nowadays disabled people have far more choices and opportunities in life.

It would be nice to believe that the FREEWHEELERS has played its part in bringing this enlightenment of attitudes to the fore and in encouraging disabled people to take up the challenge and demand their rights.

With this kind of attitude, I am sure the PHAB FREEWHEELERS will reach even greater heights in the coming years.