Breaking Barriers: Wheelchair Basketball in Brixton
From "THINC Fund Large Projects (£25,000-£50,000)"
Go to the project
Total Funding Requested: £47,890
Right now in Brixton, young disabled people especially those who are Black, Asian, and minoritised—are falling through the cracks. They're three times more likely to experience social isolation, twice as likely to be excluded from school, and overrepresented in care and youth justice systems. Too many endure abuse, neglect, and relentless discrimination that destroys their sense of worth.
When you're isolated, ignored, and made to feel vulnerable because of your disability, desperation takes hold. Some turn to aggression or risky behaviours not because they're "bad," but because they're trying to prove they matter, to gain respect, to assert control. Physical limitations make them targets for exploitation or draw them toward dangerous situations.
What will your project deliver?
This core funding sustains the essential operational infrastructure keeping Brixton Ballers running throughout 2026. It covers fundamental costs every sustainable organisation requires, enabling consistent provision while building toward greater impact:
- Qualified coaching staff delivering weekly wheelchair basketball sessions (ages 8-25), intensive youth programmes for at-risk groups, community outreach, and safe spaces where isolated young people build life skills
- Accessible venue hire securing facilities where proven programmes happen weekly
- Equipment maintenance keeping specialist sports wheelchairs (£2,000+ each) safe and available free to all
- Insurance and compliance protecting vulnerable members
- Essential administration making reliable delivery possible
- Director capacity for building partnerships and expanding reach
Who we serve
Young people living with disabilities facing compounded disadvantages: those in or leaving care, BAME, experiencing systemic and inequality, individuals with multiple health conditions, whose parents are on a low incomes, and those involved or vulnerable to youth justice systems. We work with wheelchair users, physical and learning disabilities, and young people carrying trauma from exclusion and abuse.
What difference will it make?
Mental Health & Wellbeing: We interrupt the cycle. Isolated young people find their tribe. Those using aggression to feel powerful discover strength through sport and mentoring. Trauma gets processed in a safe community. Self-esteem rebuilds. Members report reduced anxiety, genuine friendships, improved confidence and resilience.
Access to Healthy Choices: We provide what's systematically denied accessible facilities, expert coaching, equipment, improved physical health, and zero barriers to entry.
How will this funding help?
This £47,890 directly funds support these young people depend on:
- Qualified coaches (£25,000) – DBS-checked Level 2/3 Wheelchair Basketball Coaches, trauma-informed practitioners understanding complex disability needs, creating safe spaces, building trust with young people failed by other systems
- Accessible venue hire (£12,000) – Weekly sessions in fully accessible sports halls with disabled parking, changing facilities, transport links
- Equipment maintenance (£4,500) – Keeping specialist sports wheelchairs safe, functional, available free regardless of income
- Insurance and compliance (£2,000) – Essential coverage protecting vulnerable members, ensuring legal operation
- Outreach and engagement (£2,500) – Connecting with marginalised families, schools, care homes, PRUs, youth services to reach isolated young people who don't know we exist
- Communications (£1,000) – Amplifying disabled voices, celebrating achievements, challenging stigma
- Volunteer training (£890) – Developing team capacity for trauma-informed, inclusive practice
Why will we succeed?
We've lived their reality. Ninety percent of our team are from ethnic minorities. Disabled people lead our trustee board and delivery. We're deep-rooted in communities we serve. We know what it's like to be marginalised and overlooked. We've navigated the same broken systems these young people face daily and that authenticity builds trust.
Fifteen years delivering in Brixton. Waiting lists growing. Proven impact: isolation becomes belonging, frustration becomes achievement, invisibility becomes recognition.
Your vote keeps their wheels and futures rolling.