There are close to 170,000 registered charities in the UK, all of whom work tirelessly in achieving their aims. The following is by no means an exhaustive list of ten of the best.
1. Trefoil House: Provides funding for people with disabilities or other special needs to have holidays. It exists to fill the gap when the NHS, local authorities or other services cannot provide the funding for a break. Grants are awarded pending an application review by a special committee.
2. Jubilee Sailing Trust: Promotes the integration of people with disabilities and the able bodied to work together to sail tall ships. The ships are purpose built and give both those living with disability and those who are not the experience of a lifetime.
3. RNID: The Royal National Institute for Deaf People. This is the UK’s largest charity for the hard of hearing and those who are deaf. They campaign and lobby for legislative changes to improve the quality of life for the hearing impaired and provide services and advice for clients. They also conduct research, both technical and medical.
4. RNIB: The Royal National Institute of Blind People offers information, support and advice to over 2 million people in the UK with sight loss. They offer practical solutions to life challenges and support for the emotional impact of sight loss. They also provide talking books and Braille books on a lending scheme.
5. Spinal Injuries Association: This user-led organisation offers practical support and advice to those living with spinal injuries. Their motto is “Life needn’t stop when you are paralysed.” Support starts when the injured person may still be in hospital and the follow up is for life. There is counselling for families and those who are injured, a free phone advice line and peer support services.
6. WheelPower: Promotes the participation of men, women and children who are wheelchair users in sport, either competitive or recreational. Sports include archery, athletics, basketball, swimming, tennis, handcycling and others. The charity provides sport camps and gaming weekends for children, as well as supporting Sport For All, annual Sports Camps – organised by the Our Sports Associations who are partners with WheelPower for adults. Before taking part in any activity it is always worth checking with your doctor to make sure that in so doing, you will not suffer any harm.
7. BREAK: Provides holidays and respite care for children and adults with special needs. It runs coastal holiday centres which provide 24 hour care as well as a varied and fun holiday programme, including day outings.
8. Scope: Caters to the needs of children with Cerebral Palsy. One in 400 children in the UK are born with this condition which limits the ability to walk, sit or talk. They help parents with practical and emotional support and help them access all available resources. They also enable adults with CP to live independent lives.
9. Sense: Leading UK charity to support deafblind people, both children and adults. They provide practical expert advice and specialist services to deafblind people, their carers and families. They also support people with sensory impairment with other disabilities.
10. The Shaw Trust: Enables disabled and disadvantaged people to get into employment and enjoy independent living. It is the UK’s largest third sector provider of employment services for people with disabilities. It also runs training courses and practical support to stay in work.