‘Remap’ Use your skills to help others?

[James SParticipant @jamess]

I can't very well refer to you all as 'fellow model engineers' since I'm not one – the heaviest metal I possess is a Record No25 and that's presently bolted to a small sheet of 3/4" ply since the bench is still growing somewhere! I have however 'lurked' here on and off for some time and learned much about my future lathe and mill from reading the questions and replies of many members – so thank you all.

I am sure many here find great enjoyment and fulfilment in their hobbies – if you fall into this category then I envy you: guilt free fun! Some may on occasion, like me, wonder what we change by creating swarf – or in my case attacking the latest incarnation of the tin-worm on the Land Rover. If you fall into the second category then please read on…

'Remap' is a group of volunteers who use their creative and engineering abilities to solve day to day problems for those with a disability… think of mobility (modification to a wheelchair?) reading (mechanised page turner or a 'smile operated' e-reader?) or even just drinking (small pump to pressurise a container and feed drink through a straw to achieve semi-independent drinking, saving a spouse or carer from having to lift the drink up each time)

I have absolutely no connection to Remap, save for hearing of their work on Radio 4's 'You and Yours' earlier today, Fri 8 Aug. They rely upon volunteers and all work is 'one offs' only. They have a network of groups who meet monthly and volunteers can evidently take on as much or as little as they are able.

Work, time and lack of equipment (and ability!) preclude my involvement until my circumstances change but if you are interested and have the time and a skill to share then please have a look at the links below:

'Listen again' to the programme – starts at 31:30 in

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04cfvfz

Home

As much as I would like to answer any questions the information above is as much as I have; I can not speak for Remap and so any further investigation needs to be yours – I've posted this because it may bring help and some independence to those that need it as well as fulfilment and a sense of achievement to those able to assist.

Best regards,

Jim

[James SParticipant @jamess]

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Hello Jim,

REMAP is our 'corporate charity'. We promote them regularly in the pages of Model Engineer and Model Engineers' Workshop and some of our authors kindly donate their article payments to them.

Neil

[Raymond Sanderson 2Participant @raymondsanderson2]

Now thats a post you wouldn't expect to read on many forums.

In Australia we have a similar organisation its called TAD Technical Aid to the Disabled

I have no connection to the organisation each state or most across Australia have there own branch. I have just spotted this article of a local schools involvement.

Neil thats a great way to spread the need and assistance.

Sadly to get involved here with such has become a nightmare because of OH&S and the closest TAD for me is 40k's away.

Ray

[Gary WoodingParticipant @garywooding25363]

I've been a member of the Coventry & Warwickshire Remap panel for about 15 years, and can attest to the challenges that Remap can present to those who like making things.

Remap had its 50th birthday this year, so its certainly not a New Today Gone Tomorrow organisation. In fact, its probably the biggest charity you've never heard of. Almost every county has a Remap Panel; some have more than one.

Like all the panels, Coventry & Warwickshire is short of engineers, so if you live in Warwickshire and fancy something new and worthwhile with a bit (or a big) challenge, then drop me a line. If you live outside the county, the address of your local panel can be found on the Remap website.

Gary

[Brian WoodParticipant @brianwood45127]

Hello Everyone,

I too am a Panel member for the Harrogate area, not as long time served as Gary above being a relative newcomer of 18 months or so. An offshoot in my case has been the unexpected need for servicing Braille typewriters locally.

I can't recall his 'handle' at the moment, but there at least one other regular poster on this forum who belongs.

It is a worthwhile charity, all the challenges are different and are guaranteed to keep the grey matter active in finding ways round the vagaries imposed by every case. I concur with the need for more volunteers, all the Panels would welcome an influx to swell the skills they already have available. The time and effort you commit is really your choice, there is no pressure applied.

Regards Brian

[Gary WoodingParticipant @garywooding25363]

Following on from Brian's posting, if you are interested enough to find out more, then contact your nearest panel to find the location and time of its next meeting. The meetings are held monthly and there is no commitment on you to sign up or even to attend further meetings.

The format of the meetings is very informal . Progress on existing cases is discussed, as are new cases received that month. New cases are allocated to anybody who fancies them, and sometimes cases are worked on by more than one person, but this is optional. The usual process is to first visit the client to determine their real requirements, then to come up with a solution.

The only real commitment on any engineer is that if you accept a case you should normally see it through to it's completion. Other panel members can always offer help if necessary.

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