THIS van will make a massive difference for children with complex physical needs across regional Victoria and Ballarat’s Archie Sims was on hand to show how.

The six-year-old and his mum Anna helped launch the new Scope GoKids Mobility Van Service in his hometown on Thursday morning.

For the Sims family, it will cut travel to Melbourne for specialised physiotherapy that enables Archie to walk, run and play more.

His intricately mechanised Hart Walker allows Archie a chance to do all this, including his favourite hobby baking, hands free but he must be re-fit for the walker every time he has a growth spurt.

Scope chief executive officer Jennifer Fitzgerald said the service was developed with a simple philosophy, that any child with complex physical needs had the right to access essential services to help improve their lives, regardless of where they lived.

“The van will allow our GoKids therapists to reach out to local therapists and services to share our specialised knowledge and experience and build regional understanding in supporting children with equipment and mobility needs,” Dr Fitzgerald said.

The self-contained van can transport resources and equipment for assessments, modifications and fittings. Dr Fitzgerald said time, distance and cost for families to access this in Melbourne was a big challenge and so, the vision for the van was formed.

Benefits for children will include: physical improvement in respiratory, orthopaedic and digestive systems; social benefits of improved interaction with family and friends; and ability to move independently through their environments.

Archie can stand for about 40 minutes in his Hart Walker but is working with Scope physiotherapists to increase his independence and strength.