Where to Return NHS Crutches – And How You Can Make a Difference
If you've finished using NHS or any hospital crutches or walking sticks and are wondering what to do with them, you're not alone. Many people struggle to find clear guidance on returning medical aids. While the NHS encourages returns, barriers such as lack of clear drop-off points, collection services, or sadly the majority of hospitals not accepting returns often lead to these essential items going to waste.
But what if your unwanted crutches could change someone's life?
At Cool Crutches, we’ve partnered with Physionet, a UK charity dedicated to refurbishing and redistributing mobility aids to communities with little or no access to them. Through our ‘Send Us Your Sticks’ campaign, we’re making it easier than ever to give your old crutches or walking sticks a new lease of life.
The Barriers to Returning NHS Crutches
Some NHS trusts do accept returned crutches, but the process can be unclear and many sadly don't accept them making it tricky to know whether you can or not. Here are some common challenges people face:
-
No Clear Return Policy – Many patients aren’t informed about where or how to return their crutches.
-
Limited Drop-Off Points – Not all hospitals have a designated return location.
-
No Collection Service – Some NHS trusts do not offer collection, meaning patients must find their own way to return them.
-
Uncertainty Over Condition – Many people aren’t sure if their used or slightly damaged crutches will be accepted.
These barriers often result in crutches being stored in cupboards, left unused, or worse, ending up in landfill. That’s where we come in!
A Better Way: Donate to ‘Send Us Your Sticks’
Instead of struggling to return your crutches to the NHS, why not send them to us? We’ve partnered with Physionet to refurbish, recycle, and redistribute unwanted mobility aids to people who desperately need them.
How It Works:
-
Send Us Your Sticks – Use the box from your order or any alternative packaging to send us your crutches or walking sticks.
-
Enclose a Note – Include your name, email address, and a brief note about what you're donating. As a thank you, we’ll send you a 10% discount code for your next order.
-
Courier with Care – Post your package via Royal Mail or courier for as little as £2.95. Our address is: Cool Crutches, The Gables, Oakwood Business Park, Fountains Road, HG3 3BF.
-
Repair & Empower – With Physionet, we refurbish donations, recycle broken parts, and ensure everything is ready to be sent where it's needed most.
Why Your Donation Matters
By donating your crutches or walking sticks, you're:
-
Preventing Waste – Reducing landfill and ensuring mobility aids don’t go to waste.
-
Supporting Communities in Need – together with Physionet we have already distributed to over 22 countries, including Ukraine, Turkey, and Syria.
-
Making a Real Impact – A simple act can change someone’s life, providing independence and mobility to those who would otherwise go without.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If your NHS crutches are gathering dust, don’t let them go to waste. Join our ‘Send Us Your Sticks’ campaign today and help us ensure no mobility aid is wasted while supporting communities in need.
Send Your Crutches Now & Be Part of the Change!
For more details, visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can make mobility accessible for all.
If you'd like to read more about our work with Physionet, hit the links below:
