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11/10/2016
Maghaberry Prisoners Restore Old Wheelchairs To Be Used In Africa
Prisoners in Maghaberry in Lisburn are restoring old and obsolete wheelchairs for use in Africa and countries in conflict across the world.
Hundreds of wheelchairs, disposed of by the National Health Service (NHS), have been repaired and rebuilt in the prison's workshop and shipped out to third-world countries through local charity and missionary groups.
Maghaberry Prison Governor Stephen Davis said: "Each month around 80-100 wheelchairs are restored by prisoners and sent to countries including Africa, Romania, Malawi and even Thailand, Libya and Syria.
"The wheelchairs have been deemed obsolete by the NHS. But in the workshop prisoners will steam wash them, strip them back, rebuild, restore and even repaint them.
"The completely refurbished and fully functional wheelchair is then collected by our charity partners - Mediaid4kids, Bike Aid for Africa, Tell Romania and Faith in Action Missions. They are then shipped out in containers to countries outside the EU."
Up to a dozen prisoners using basic hand tools are involved in the work to restore the wheelchairs, following check-lists to ensure they meet health and safety guidelines.
(CD/MH)
Hundreds of wheelchairs, disposed of by the National Health Service (NHS), have been repaired and rebuilt in the prison's workshop and shipped out to third-world countries through local charity and missionary groups.
Maghaberry Prison Governor Stephen Davis said: "Each month around 80-100 wheelchairs are restored by prisoners and sent to countries including Africa, Romania, Malawi and even Thailand, Libya and Syria.
"The wheelchairs have been deemed obsolete by the NHS. But in the workshop prisoners will steam wash them, strip them back, rebuild, restore and even repaint them.
"The completely refurbished and fully functional wheelchair is then collected by our charity partners - Mediaid4kids, Bike Aid for Africa, Tell Romania and Faith in Action Missions. They are then shipped out in containers to countries outside the EU."
Up to a dozen prisoners using basic hand tools are involved in the work to restore the wheelchairs, following check-lists to ensure they meet health and safety guidelines.
(CD/MH)
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