How electronic engineers empower lives through REMAP

Volunteers’ Week (2-8^th June) is an opportune moment to spotlight REMAP, a unique UK charity where engineering meets empathy.

The genesis of REMAP

Founded in 1964 by Pat Johnson, an engineer with ICI and former Royal Engineer, REMAP emerged from a personal mission. Pat's sister, affected by polio, faced daily challenges in her wheelchair-bound life. Pat's engineering ingenuity led him to construct a wooden ramp and install an electric hoist in her home, significantly enhancing her independence. Recognising the broader need, Pat collaborated with fellow engineers to form a group dedicated to improving the quality of life for disabled individuals through custom-made equipment.

REMAP's mission and impact

Today, REMAP stands as the UK's sole charity providing custom-made equipment free of charge to disabled people. With over 60 volunteer-led branches across England, Scotland, and Wales, and a network of more than 800 volunteers, REMAP completes approximately 3,000 projects annually.

The equipment crafted by REMAP volunteers addresses a spectrum of needs – from aiding mobility and personal care to enabling participation in sports and hobbies. Each solution is tailored to the individual's specific requirements, ensuring that the assistance provided is both effective and meaningful.

Engineering solutions: real-life examples

Consider the case of a client with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), experiencing weakened neck muscles that caused their head to fall forward uncontrollably. REMAP volunteers engineered a motorised brace activated by a knee-squeezed switch, restoring the client's ability to control head movements independently.

In another instance, Emily, a wheelchair user with limited shoulder mobility, struggled to lift her wheelie bin lids. A REMAP engineer designed a remote-controlled bin lid-lifter, enabling her to manage waste disposal without assistance.

These examples underscore the profound difference that tailored engineering solutions can make in daily life.

The role of electronic engineers

Electronic engineers are integral to REMAP's mission. Their expertise in electronics, microcontrollers, and control systems is crucial in developing innovative solutions that often combine multiple disciplines, including carpentry, metalwork, and 3D printing.

Volunteers like Peter, who designed the remote-controlled bin lid-lifter, exemplify how electronic engineering skills can directly enhance someone's independence. Such projects not only provide practical assistance but also offer engineers the satisfaction of applying their skills to solve real-world problems with immediate, tangible benefits.

Why volunteer with REMAP?

Volunteering with REMAP offers electronic engineers a unique opportunity to:

• Apply skills for social good: use your technical expertise to create solutions that significantly improve individuals' quality of life
• Engage in meaningful projects: work on diverse challenges that require innovative thinking and problem-solving
• Collaborate with like-minded professionals: join a community of volunteers who share a passion for engineering and making a difference
• Flexible commitment: contribute your time according to your availability, with many projects requiring just a few hours per week

As one volunteer shared: "Volunteering for REMAP allows me to use my engineering background to give back to the community in a deeply rewarding way."

Getting involved

REMAP is continually seeking volunteers with engineering and technical backgrounds. Whether you're an experienced professional or a recent graduate, your skills can make a significant impact.

To learn more about volunteering opportunities and how you can contribute, visit www.remap.org.uk. Here, you can find information on current roles, application processes, and stories of existing volunteers.

This Volunteers’ Week, consider how your engineering expertise can transcend traditional applications and directly enhance lives. By joining REMAP, you become part of a legacy where engineering excellence meets compassionate service, proving that with the right skills and dedication, we can all contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society.