Siloam Christian Ministries has sent wheelchairs refurbished in a British prison to deprived people in other countries, including Portugal and Poland.

Siloam Director Richard Norton recently delivered 20 wheelchairs to Portugal that had been fitted up by inmates at Swansea Prison as part of their "privileged employment".

"They and prison staff are grateful for the opportunity so that the wheelchairs can be useful to people overseas," said Mr Norton. "These wheelchairs are valuable in places like Eastern Europe and Portugal where the social services do not provide as well for people with disabilities as they do here in the UK."

The wheelchairs headed to Portugal after Clelia Mendes, a Portuguese Christian who has a disability herself, requested help for the Arcil charity.

The shipment included not only wheelchairs, but also parcels for children prepared by the 'Honey Pot' Mother and Toddler Group in Reading

Fifteen of the wheelchairs were delivered to Arcil in the small town of Lousa, where Christian colleagues of Siloam also received used clothing to distribute as part of their outreach ministry to the poor. Siloam is also linked to the town of Malveira where it provides basic necessities for the poor, including food, in partnership with a local church.

In addition to the aid, calendars from the Trinitarian Bible Society with daily Scripture verses were also distributed.

"Siloam uses healthcare and relief aid as a vehicle for the gospel," shared Mr Norton. "In future, wheelchairs which are greatly valued may provide an important ministry opportunity.

"Siloam has worked with local Christians in Portugal who have been helping churches to understand the importance of accessibility for their own ministry and outreach."