Who we are
Just Wheels is a small charity based in Scotland. Our aim is to reduce poverty and inequality for people with mobility impairments in the Tabora Region of Tanzania.
Just Wheels was set up in 2017 by Emma Burtles. Emma worked in Tanzania and was aware of the issues facing people with disabilities when she was there. However, supporting her own disabled son here in the UK made her realise the enormity of the challenges facing people with disabilities in Tanzania, and their families. She wanted to do something to help.
Just Wheels was registered as a charity with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. We have a board of directors and a manager who lead the organisation all of whom work voluntarily. We work with partners in Tanzania who implement our programmes on the ground.
Meet the team
Emma Burtles
Founder
Just Wheels was started by Emma Burtles. Emma is based in Scotland but has worked in Tanzania. She has been involved in supporting a wheelchair workshop there for over 25 years and has a deep understanding of the importance of that work. Coincidentally she now has a disabled son who uses a wheelchair, which made Emma even more aware of the importance of a good-quality, well-fitted set of wheels to enable a person with disabilities to participate in society.
Edwin Kalukwella
Wheelchair Technician
Edwin has been disabled since he had polio as a child. He feels lucky that he was chosen to be taught welding when he was 20 years old as so many disabled people are not given such opportunities. He then went on to learn how to fit and make wheelchairs, undertaking a variety of courses including a 6 month course in the UK and many courses in Tanzania. He is highly skilled and makes wheelchairs of a very hight standard. He works with many organisations that support people with disabilities.
Just Wheels UK Board
| Chair | Currently Vacant | |
| Founder | Emma Burtles | |
| Secretary | Lorna Renwick | Health Professional |
| Treasurer | Cath Brookes | Finance Manager and Teacher of the Deaf |
| Trustee/Safeguarding Officer | Alessandro Girardango | Social Worker |
| Trustee | Annemarie Graepel | Paediatric Physiotherapist |
| Trustee | Frederick Longino | Social Worker |
| Trustee | Jerome Mayaud | Data Specialist |
| Trustee | Emily Goodall | Business Consultant |
| Special Advisor | Simon Headington | CEO of Tanzanian NGO & Company Director |
| Special Advisor | Professor Melissa Gladstone | Paediatric Consultant |
Just Wheels UK
| Manager | Emma Burtles |