Clare Edwards inventor of the trabasack wheelchair tray using it at a private view at a gallery

Shop smarter this Social Saturday

Buy from a Social enterprise this Social Saturday

This Saturday is Social Saturday! And it’s your chance to support some amazing businesses who are doing a power of good right across the country and making a real difference to a lot of lives.

Trabasack is one such business. Like all good inventions, it began with a problem to solve: how to create a way of working, writing, eating and drinking that would be portable, practical and compatible with wheelchair use. And like all enterprises, it needed support and assistance to get off the ground, which is where Unltd came in. The charity for social entrepreneurs provided vital help – and if you’ve got a bright idea that can provide a social good, they can help you too.

Designed in 2009, Trabasack is sold by Equip-able Ltd, a husband and wife team who juggle the challenges of retail and product design with family life and the care of their severely disabled child with Dravet Syndrome. Duncan and Clare Edwards have seen their business grow, and their experience means it’s not just business – they have a personal commitment to improving inclusion for disabled people.

Duncan Edwards with the Trabasack

Duncan Edwards demonstrating the Trabasack, which he and wife Clare have developed thanks to help from UnLtd.

The Trabasack concept is versatile and stylish, providing a living aid that looks beautiful as well as being something that functions ergonomically. It can be used by anyone, but is particularly useful for wheelchair users as it can easily be attached with straps and can be carried and used as a bag. It comes in a range of designs and options, from the simplicity of the Trabasack Curve to the luxurious Trabasack Max, ideal for laptop users on the move.

That range of products means Equip-able is now a self sustaining social enterprise through its own products and selling other inclusive and exclusive designs to help disabled people, through their webstore at Trabasack.com and a presence on Amazon.

Have you got a great idea for a social enterprise?

A social enterprise is an organisation or company that provides a social benefit by trading rather than through grants or Government funding. If you have an idea for a project that may eventually be self sustaining you can visit Unltd to find out more. They can offer backing and support right throughout your journey to creating a social enterprise.

Support Social Saturday via The Big Issue Shop

The Big Issue has a shop with many social enterprise products available for sale and you can support Social Saturday, Trabasack and the work of the Big Issue by buying via The Big Issue shop. 

There are many other products available including artwork, books, clothing, jewelry and gifts, all helping people in different ways across the globe. Find out more today and be part of te Social Saturday event.

Clare Edwards inventor of the trabasack wheelchair tray using it at a private view at a gallery

Clare at the Big Issue Birthday Party 25 + 1