Our impact 2021 - Leonard Cheshire
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Our impact 2021
Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 2
Contents This is an
interactive document
Navigate through the
different sections of the
report using the links in the
top bar and buttons below.
Introduction Our reach Live
Our year
Learn Work
at a glance
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021
Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 3
Introduction
It was with immense Before joining the team, I had
huge respect for the difference this
The past year has been a year like
no other. As with many organisations,
Whether it is enabling children with
disabilities to receive an education,
pride that I joined organisation makes to the lives of the pandemic tested us in ways supporting people with disabilities
Leonard Cheshire as people with disabilities. My mum that could never have been into work, or empowering
was a nurse at a Leonard Cheshire anticipated. Many of our staff were individuals to have greater choice,
CEO in February service, so my family has a heartfelt at the frontline in the battle against control and independence in their
2021. connection to this diverse and Covid-19, keeping people safe, lives, Leonard Cheshire’s impact
wonderful organisation. continuing to deliver essential around the world is immense
support and working under and continues to grow.
immense challenges.
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021
Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 4
As a disabled woman, I know People with disabilities are
from first-hand experience that impatient for change and an equal
prejudice, discrimination and playing field. I want us to have an
stigma still present daily barriers even bigger role making societal
to people with disabilities around change a reality.
the world.
I am delighted to introduce this
While there has been progress, impact report, which provides a
young people with disabilities snapshot of the things we have
growing up today still face many achieved together and the stories
of the challenges I did in being able of just some of the 435,645 people
to live the life they want. and organisations we reached over
the past year.
None of this would have been
possible without you – our amazing
supporters, donors and partners.
In a year that has been extremely
challenging for all, your support has
allowed us to adapt to change and
435,645
continue to have a real impact on
the lives of thousands of people
with disabilities around the world.
I can’t thank you enough and
In total we reached I’m looking forward to seeing
435,645 people and how much more we can achieve
organisations together in 2021/22!
Dr Ruth Owen, OBE
Chief Executive
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021
Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 5
Our Our impact
reach 86%
86% of participants
reported increased social
What your support inclusion since being on
our UK and international
has helped us to programmes1
achieve together
84%
84% of participants
reported improved
health and wellbeing
since being on our UK
programmes2
In total, we reached
435,645
people and organisations in
the UK, Africa and Asia
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021
Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 6
Our
Number of people
(Year-on-year growth) 98,871
reach 75,844
Despite a challenging
year, in 2020/21 we
supported more people
than ever before
46,476
71,866
61,221
27,428
Total direct reach
Direct reach – people
with disabilities 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021
Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 7
Social media Reach to build support
Our
views and awareness
37.3m 221,641
reach Indirect reach
In total we reached
115,133
435,645 people and
organisations globally
Direct reach
98,871
Media
opportunities Direct reach
to see/hear – people with
202m disabilities
71,866
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021
Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 8
Our
influence
In 2020/21 we Our influencing activities raised awareness with individuals, “Leonard Cheshire has been
continued to partner organisations and key decision-makers of the key issues that an excellent knowledge and
people with disabilities face and the need for inclusivity technical partner on disability
with global actors inclusion for the World Bank.
such as the World Together, we have worked
Bank, UNESCO and to advance knowledge on
addressing the needs of
International Labour persons with disabilities
Organization, as well in the sectors of employment,
as working to
21,759 1,357 666
education, and digital
inclusion.”
influence companies
Louise Cord
such as Microsoft, Global Director,
Apple and Google individuals organisations key decision- Social Sustainability and Inclusion
around accessibility makers Global Practice, World Bank
and inclusivity.
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021
Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 9
Live
Supporting people with
disabilities to live as
independently as they choose
2,587 2,936 15.5m
We support 2,587 We supported 2,936 Our transport
people every day disabled people to get campaign reached
through our care active through our 15.5 million people,
services in the UK inclusive cycling, with 64 stories placed
physical activity and in the media
dance programmes
in the UK
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021
Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 10
It is estimated that people with
disabilities represent at least 15%
of the world’s population – more than
1 billion individuals. 3
Around the world, people with
disabilities are still being excluded The highest rated provider
from opportunities in their
communities, often resulting in Leonard Cheshire remains
isolation. The denial of access to the highest rated nursing
key services and support can have care provider for people with
disabilities in England, based on
a devastating impact on individuals Our approach is
and families. inspection findings by the Care
Quality Commission. Across the based on promoting
Our life-changing social care work UK, 92.6% of our services are greater independence
provides people with disabilities rated as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ and choice
with the support they need to by regulators.
play a full and active part in their
communities. At the same time,
we work with governments,
organisations of persons with
disabilities and grass roots activists
to remove barriers in society.
Our approach is based on promoting
greater independence and choice.
This includes introducing pioneering
1,422 28,430
technology that is giving greater
We supported 1,422 people 28,430 women with disabilities in
control to the people with disabilities
with disabilities on our information, West Africa now have access
we support, as well as driving
advice and guidance programmes to life-saving contraception as
forward improvements in care.
in the UK a result of our intervention
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 11
Challenges and At the same time, we lobbied MPs
and Ministers in the UK to call for
changes – our additional support for the disability
Covid-19 response sector, access to testing, and the
prioritisation of vaccine rollout to
people with disabilities and
The Covid-19 pandemic meant that care staff.
people with disabilities, including
those who had to shield, felt more We took the difficult but essential
isolated than ever before. We step to close our care services to
adapted our work in innovative visitors before the national
ways to ensure that we could lockdown, but we continued to
continue to be there for people support residents to keep in touch
with disabilities during this time. with families and friends remotely.
We invested in new equipment and
Our carers, nurses and support infection control, later adapting
workers have been at the frontline facilities so that indoor visits could
in the battle against Covid-19. Many resume safely.
of the people living with us have
underlying health conditions that Because of the measures we put
increase the risks from contracting in place and the dedication of staff,
the virus. Getting our response our overall infection levels across
wrong was unthinkable. our services were kept low and
our overall response has been
We launched two national commended by regulators.
fundraising appeals in 2020/21,
and the amazing generosity of
our supporters raised £900,000.
£900k
This vital support helped to ensure
we had the vast quantities of
Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) we needed to protect our
staff and residents. Our two emergency fundraising
appeals raised £900K
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 12
Extending Covid-19 testing “I was deeply concerned to
hear about the challenges the Bringing everyone together connect to their community, such
People with disabilities between as online dance sessions. Many
Leonard Cheshire service at “The main skill I learnt during this
people here cycled the Great
the ages of 18-65 represent one
Chipstead Lake was facing in period was how to keep doing
third of social care users.4 At the Wall of China! We did this using
accessing testing kits. I hope what we do in a different way.
beginning of the pandemic, we adapted bikes in Cheltenham
this will provide much needed Everyone was seeing their loved
wrote to 50 English MPs with a and static bikes in our home.
support to staff and residents, ones during lockdown – with
Leonard Cheshire service in their
family support we made sure This period has taught me
constituency to raise our concerns as well as the 6,000 similar
people had access to a Smart TV how much it matters to have
that care homes for people with care homes across the or an iPad. This helped us maintain
disabilities were unable to access country, and I pay tribute to everyone with connections to our
precious relationships between home come together.”
Covid-19 tests. the staff who do such an volunteers and people who live
incredible job every day.” with us. Lesley Gamm
Laura Trott, MP for Sevenoaks
and Swanley, raised this with the Laura Trott Service Manager,
We also made sure we offered Gloucestershire House
Secretary of State for Health and MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley
options where people could
Social Care. This intervention led
to testing being made available
to care homes in all adult settings,
including those with residents with
disabilities. This was a vital step in
helping us further support the
people who live in our services
as well as our frontline staff.
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 13
Delivering hope in
Northern Ireland
In January 2020, we worked with In March 2021 we staged a virtual
partners to open a pioneering conference on alcohol-related
specialist rehabilitation service in brain injury which brought
Belfast for people with alcohol- together leading figures in
related brain injury. It is the first neurorehabilitation, addiction,
dedicated service of its kind in mental health and homelessness.
Northern Ireland and has been Around 220 people from across
transforming lives over the the UK attended.
past year.
The effects of long-term alcohol
consumption can be devastating, “Raymond has made incredible
taking away a person’s progress and this has made a
independence and ability to huge difference to our lives.
perform normal day-to-day Prior to going to the unit, he
activities. Our team assists people didn’t really speak and would
towards improving memory and just shrug his shoulders and Our team assists
mental health, rebuilding lost not communicate. That was people towards
skills, gaining independence one of the hardest things to improving memory
and maintaining abstinence. see. But he’s transformed and mental health,
because of the expert care he rebuilding lost skills,
has received, and we now gaining independence
hope that he will again be able and maintaining
to live a normal life.” abstinence
Lynne
relative
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 14
Transforming lives Bev’s story – technology has
through technology been a revelation
Bev is one of the 24 residents at Hill
House who has been benefitting
In today’s world of smart homes,
from innovative technology.
gaming and computing, new
Following a stroke, she has limited
technologies are emerging that
mobility and cannot always make
will change the way we live, work
herself easily understood. Our team
and communicate with each
has been working with Bev to
other. Such technologies have
identify the best new assistive
the potential to revolutionise the
technologies to help her
lives of the people we support.
communicate.
The pandemic has accelerated
progress in this area, with so many For Bev, we were fortunate to be
of us relying on technology to amongst the first people in Europe
communicate like never before. to trial some ground-breaking
software, VoiceITT. The VoiceITT app
At our Hill House service in
runs on an iPad and allows people
Sandbach, we’re in the second year
with unfamiliar speech to not only
of an exciting three-year assistive
have often used phrases repeated in
technology project, generously
clearer speech but also allows Bev to
funded by the Denise Coates
voice control an Alexa device to play
Foundation. We’re introducing
music, operate her Smart TV, and
residents and staff to new
control heating and lighting. With
technologies that are transforming
Bev’s feedback, the developers have
their day to day lives – leading to Bev’s family are
been able to make amendments
increased confidence, greater
and have since published the app on delighted with her
independence, and wider social
inclusion.
the app store for general availability. progress. Her daughter
Jo said the technology
Bev is also able to access her iPad
via a specially adapted stylus to has “given her
read electronic books and to independence like
independently video call her family, never before.”
which was a big priority for her.
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 15
A breakthrough with Google
We’re not only exploring the
potential of technology to
We influenced a big transform our care services, we’re
breakthrough with also acting as thought leaders
Google that will make and advocates of sustainable and
Android products inclusive solutions. Our Director of
more user-friendly Assistive Technology sits on
advisory panels for Microsoft, Apple,
Google and the UK Government,
and plays a key role in ensuring that
inclusivity is prioritised when
developing new technologies.
We influenced a big breakthrough
with Google that will make Android
products more user-friendly.
We’ve been fighting for a more
comprehensive cross-platform
experience, in particular for
touchscreen devices to have
generalised gestures recognisable
by all. Android devices are more
problematic because manufacturers
can add alternative interfaces to
their products. Through our work
with Google, a range of gestures
and controls have now been built
into the general platform. This
means users can define them
in ways that are most helpful to
them or are most recognisable.
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 16
Keeping people active Road to me – a lifeline for
people with disabilities
According to Sport England, people For many people with disabilities,
with disabilities are twice as likely projects like ‘Road to me’ in
to be physically inactive compared Wandsworth are a lifeline. Through
to those without disabilities. this project, funded by Sport
England, we support people
This issue came into sharp focus with recently acquired disabilities
during the pandemic, when many whose physical activities have been
organised activities and exercise interrupted. Our aim is to reduce
facilities had to close their doors, the likelihood of them needing to
making it even harder for people access health services again in the
with disabilities to find ways to future. We work closely with them
keep active. for six months, developing an
individual action plan centred
Wherever possible, we quickly around becoming healthier and
adapted our programmes to more active.
provide support online – and
in 2020/21 we supported 2,936 In March 2020 we had to pause
people with disabilities to get all face-to-face activity due to
active through our inclusive Covid-19. During lockdown, we
cycling, physical activity and maintained the same quality of
dance programmes in the UK. support by checking-in on our
For many people clients regularly by phone and
2,936
with disabilities, holding weekly group Zoom
projects like ‘Road to sessions to reduce isolation.
me’ in Wandsworth We came up with a wide range
are a lifeline We supported 2,936 people with
of tips for keeping active at
home, including suggestions for
disabilities to get active through alternatives to exercising without
our inclusive cycling, physical gym equipment and online group
activity and dance programmes exercise sessions.
in the UK
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 17
They phoned me every week
Christine’s story since the beginning of lockdown.
– having someone to talk to They sent me an exercise
Christine is one of the people programme, with one of the team
we supported during lockdown. demonstrating the moves, which
She told us what this support made it so easy to follow. At the
has meant to her: start of lockdown, I wore size 18
but am now down to a size 12.
“In April 2020 I ended up in As well as the weekly Zoom keep
hospital after having a second fit class, they invited me to join
stroke. Since coming home I have weekly discussion groups, which
worked hard to regain my skills, has widened my social circle.
and the team from Leonard
Cheshire has really supported One of the biggest benefits of the
me with this. team calling me has been that it
reminds me that there are people
out there that I can talk to. It helps
to keep me sane knowing that if I
am feeling low, or just want a chat,
I’m welcome to give them a call.”
“It helps to keep me sane
knowing that if I am feeling
low I’m welcome to give
them a call.”
Christine
Road to Me participant
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 18
We streamed the final live on
Strictly Cymru – the show Facebook and six-year-old Inga,
“When the pandemic started
we thought Strictly Cymru A big thank you
must go on the youngest competitor, was
among the winners with her would have to stop, but thanks Thanks to everyone who helped
The challenges of the pandemic
Frozen-inspired routine. With a to doing the lessons online, make Strictly Cymru possible,
were not enough to stop the glitz
dance full of energy, smiles and everything was possible. I can including Paradance UK, the
and glamour of Strictly Cymru. Our
spins she captivated the audience only imagine how important it Simon Gibson Charitable Trust,
pan-disability dance competition
and judges, becoming overall was for other competitors who the David Solomons Charitable
was back with all the drama of
Trust and Bridgend County
before but in a brand-new digital winner in the wheelchair user had the motivation to keep on
category. Borough Council.
format, drawing participants from dancing and that feeling of
all over Wales. being part of a community.” Keep dancing!
For those taking part, Strictly
Over 230 people took part in the Cymru has been a massive Inga’s Dad
heats, receiving training from an confidence boost, improving
inclusive dance specialist. With physical and mental wellbeing.
Covid-19 disrupting face-to-face Since starting to dance, both Inga’s
support, the nine final acts received strength and her confidence have
one-to-one online coaching, with come on in leaps and bounds, so
classrooms, bedrooms, kitchens much so she was able to practice
and living rooms becoming virtual some moves out of her wheelchair.
dance floors.
Strictly Cymru
has been a massive
confidence boost,
improving physical
and mental wellbeing
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 19
Providing information, N’s story – providing support
The advice I received from Leonard
Cheshire helped me immensely in
“The advice I received from
advice and guidance when it’s needed the most moving away from abuse. Without Leonard Cheshire helped me
the support, I would have never immensely in moving away
N is one of the people we have
supported through our Bank taken this bold step. from abuse. Without the
Access to reliable information support, I would have never
Workers Charity partnership.
enables people to make informed I am a changed person now. taken this bold step.”
This is her story.
choices. Our Information, Advice I feel at peace, more confident
and Guidance programmes and empowered to act should
“I was suffering from domestic
provide bespoke and specialised a situation arise in future where
abuse at the hands of my partner
information to people with I must make strong decisions
and his mother without realising it.
disabilities. Through this support and rely on myself.”
I was having anxiety and panic
we have helped people to better
attacks and felt very vulnerable
manage their finances, receive the
and isolated.
right benefits and find suitable
housing – as well as providing I was referred to Leonard Cheshire,
advice on a range of other issues. which changed my life. My advisor
During the pandemic, we have supported me through benefits
adapted so that our face-to-face and housing advice, which gave
services can be delivered remotely. me the confidence to act and
change my situation for myself and
Our programmes are funded by
my child. My advisor constantly
Hertfordshire, Southwark and
kept in touch and supported me
Derbyshire County Councils. We
through every step of the way.
also work in partnership with the
Bank Workers Charity to provide
1,422
independent and confidential
information, advice and guidance
and mentoring support to bank
workers who have a disability or
who care for a family member We supported 1,422 people with
with a disability. disabilities on our information,
advice and guidance programmes
in the UK
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 20
A rail network for all
41% of stations in Britain don’t Parliamentarians have shown
have step-free access. So, we’re support for the campaign and have
campaigning alongside others to taken a range of actions. Labour’s
make rail travel accessible. Without Shadow Minister for Rail, along
significant progress, the system with three other Labour MPs,
won’t be accessible until 2070. tabled our parliamentary questions
and quoted our research to the
The support we received from Secretary of State for Transport
donors last year enabled us to on accessible rail. Baroness Grey-
commission research to form an Thompson also referenced our
economic case for accessible rail research when speaking in the
in the UK. Findings revealed more House of Lords in a debate on
than 50,000 people with disabilities the Queen’s speech.
could get jobs if Britain had an
accessible rail system. Only 2%
of current transport capital “It would be much easier for
investment would be needed to
me to work if transport was
create step-free access to platform
accessible. When I hear how
level across the rail network – the
equivalent of just a single year of
little money it would cost to
spending on High Speed 2. make stations accessible, it’s
frustrating. It could make such
an impact on people’s lives.”
15.5m 5,000
Emma, Birmingham
Our transport campaign reached Since 2019, nearly 5,000 people
15.5 million people, with 64 stories have supported our transport
placed in the media campaign
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 21
Improving healthcare We’ve been working successfully
to challenge stigma around sex
access for women and disability, and ensure that the
with disabilities planning and delivery of sexual
and reproductive health services
are disability inclusive. The
Getting access to vital healthcare proportion of clients with
can be a huge barrier for people disabilities has risen hugely since
with disabilities in low and middle- we came on board as a partner,
income countries. meaning that thousands more
women with disabilities have
In countries like Sierra Leone, access to life-saving contraception
where maternal mortality rates are and vital healthcare advice.
high, access to services like family
planning and contraception can The Foreign Commonwealth and
be life-saving. Development Office, which funds
the programme, recognised our
28,430
In West and Central Africa, we work on disability inclusion as
are the disability partner for MSI outstanding. They have put WISH
Reproductive Choices on the forward as an example of disability “Working closely with Leonard
Women’s Integrated Sexual Health inclusive programming and Cheshire, MSI is now better
programme (WISH). This hugely showcased our work substantially equipped to respond to
clients with disabilities and 28,430 women with disabilities
important programme aims to in the Global Disability Summit.
in West Africa now have access
reach people who may not have to consider how activities,
to life-saving contraception
access to these essential services, services and communications
including people living in poverty, can be adapted to better
young women and women with reach those clients and
disabilities. ensure respectful and
comprehensive support.”
Caroline Guinard
WISH Director,
MSI Reproductive Choices
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 22
Supporting young The group met with the Strathclyde
Partnership for Transport to argue
Change Makers builds on the
success of our ‘2030 and Counting’
“2030 and Counting enhanced
activists to bring their case and they were very programme in Kenya, Zambia and my knowledge and skills and
exposed me to the challenges
about change receptive to the group’s ideas. We the Philippines, which was funded
faced by my fellow youths
hope that the Change Makers will by the Open Society Initiative for
be able to play a key part in an Southern Africa. Through this with disabilities. After my time
Young people with disabilities are accessibility working group this programme, we supported nearly on the programme, I decided
powerful advocates for change. coming year – watch this space! 80 young people to become ‘citizen to set up a youth-led disability
We work with them to bring about reporters’. We built their confidence organisation, promoting
change in their communities, and skills by training them to use issues around disability
tackle the issues that matter to their mobile phones to powerfully and human rights.”
“So many times in the media capture experiences – filming and
them most and hold governments
to account.
I see reporters investigating recording in real-time the Ian
an issue facing young people, challenges faced by young people 2030 and Counting participant
In 2020/21, with funding from the but not listening or with disabilities.
Act for Change Fund, we launched misinterpreting what we’re
our new ‘Change Makers’ advocacy saying. Having young people We also provided the citizen
and campaigning programme for report on the issues affecting reporters with a platform to
young people with disabilities in us makes it more relatable, advocate for their rights with key
Belfast, Manchester, Glasgow and and our views are properly policy and decision makers,
Swansea. represented and heard.” influencing progress towards the
Sustainable Development Goals,
The participants are already Arthur a set of global goals relating to
making an impact. One example is Change Makers participant poverty and inequality
an online petition launched by the agreed by the UN to be
Glasgow Change Makers, calling for met by 2030.
improved wheelchair accessibility
on public transport. So far, they’ve
gathered over 2,000 signatures.
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 23
“Young Voices really shaped me
Isabella’s story – achieving into being the best version of
dreams in Papua New Guinea myself that I am today. Having the
Isabella took part in an earlier opportunity to speak to different
Leonard Cheshire youth leadership people at different events really
programme, Young Voices. Since made me want to be a youth
then, Isabella is very proud to advocate. It made me want to
have become the first person challenge injustices and fight
with a disability to graduate with a for a more accessible society.
Bachelor’s Degree in Law from her
university in Papua New Guinea. My goal now is to become a human
She was admitted to the Bar as a rights lawyer so that I can advocate
certified lawyer in January 2021. more for people with disabilities, so
She told us how Young Voices was they can achieve their dreams and
instrumental in giving her the fulfil the vision they have for
confidence to speak out about themselves.”
disability and fulfil her potential:
“Young Voices
really shaped me
into being the best
version of myself
that I am today.”
Isabella
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 24
Looking to
the future
“The pandemic has drawn our teams together
to increase an already strong focus on the
delivery of high quality care and support. We
have seen greatly increased use of technology
to maintain contact with the people we support
right across the organisation. Looking to the
future, we will build on the lessons learnt during
the pandemic and draw on the potential of new
technologies to transform our services and
programmes – giving the people we support
more independence than ever before.”
Hugh Fenn
Managing Director – UK Community Services
Steve, a resident at
our Gloucestershire
House service
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 25
Learn
Providing life-changing
opportunities through education
11,023 2,916 3,426
We supported We trained 2,916 We trained 3,426
11,023 children with teachers, government parents and male
disabilities to get an representatives, mentors on inclusive
education in India and members of education
across Africa organisations of
persons with disabilities
and other key players
on inclusive education
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 26
Education has the power to transform
lives, creating positive futures for
individuals, families and communities.
For people with disabilities in Skills training and other
low and middle-income countries opportunities are also out of reach
education can be particularly for many people with disabilities.
empowering in tackling poverty This can mean they are held back
and isolation. from fulfilling their ambitions or
having positive experiences with
Too many young people with others in their community.
disabilities are still denied the
fundamental right of an education. Our learning and skills development
At least half of the world’s 65 programmes in the UK can be a
million school age children with lifeline for people with disabilities,
disabilities do not have a school transforming lives and widening
place. 5 Girls with disabilities are horizons.
particularly vulnerable to missing
out, with boys prioritised for school
places due to gender bias.
The support we receive from our
donors means we can work with
11,023 2,916 2,249
schools, government officials,
communities and children and
their families to ensure that no
child is denied the life-changing
opportunities that education We supported 11,023 children with We trained 2,916 teachers, We supported 2,249 people
brings. disabilities to get an education in government representatives, with disabilities through our
India and across Africa members of organisations of Can Do skills development
persons with disabilities and other programme in the UK
key players on inclusive education
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 27
We came up with
a range of creative
Challenges and Examples included supporting
students at home in Kenya with solutions to ensure no
changes – our phone calls and text messages; one was left behind
Covid-19 response developing a Covid-19 resource
pack for parents to support
children with disabilities to learn at
The pandemic had an enormous home; developing and delivering
impact on learning and access to remote teacher training; and
education. With schools and catch- working with governments and
up centres closed as Covid-19 cases organisations of persons with
increased, it was vital we adapted disabilities to send out vital
our support for vulnerable children. messaging and support.
More than 1.5 billion learners In the UK, people with disabilities
worldwide were affected by school were also hit hard by the effects of
and university closures.6 Before the the pandemic, with a wide range of
pandemic, children with disabilities services disrupted. During 2020/21,
were already more likely to be we prioritised ensuring our
out of school, and the crisis only learning and skills development
exacerbated this. programmes like Can Do could
continue to provide support to
We explored innovative and young people with disabilities
alternative approaches to address when it was needed most.
these challenges, using locally
accessible technology where
possible. Many of the children
we support through our inclusive
education programme do not
have access to computers or
smartphones, so we came up with
a range of creative solutions to
ensure no one was left behind.
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 28
Our team rapidly got to work
Keeping connected distributing learning materials
in lockdown – supporting across Amolatar District, including
students in Uganda materials for children with visual
Through our inclusive education impairments in both braille and
project in Uganda, funded by Dubai large print. The team worked with
Cares, we have supported more council leaders and parents to
than 500 children with disabilities share the materials and spoke to
to go to school in the remote parents about how they could
district of Amolatar. support their children with learning
until schools opened again.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit,
all learning institutions in Uganda 17-year-old Ronald carried on
closed down indefinitely. Our learning from home with support
project team had to adapt quickly from his father and older sister.
to ensure children with disabilities The learning materials we provided
still got the support they needed helped Ronald to stay engaged
to keep on learning. with his studies. He said: “I feel
happy because I continue to learn
from home though schools are
closed. This has been possible
because of the learning materials
given to me.”
“I feel happy because
I continue to learn from
home though schools
are closed.”
500
Our inclusive education project in
Ronald Uganda has supported more than
500 children with disabilities to go
to school
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 29
A model approach to Our inclusive education model
inclusive education
We have been pioneering inclusive
education models in Africa and Asia
since 2008, supporting a total of Teacher training
49,496 children with disabilities
to get an education to date.
Over the years we have developed
Individual Creating
and honed our delivery model,
assessment an accessible
innovating and adapting to ensure
and support learning
that every child we support reaches
their full potential. Every inclusive environment
education project we run now
Children with
includes the same six key elements:
Individual assessment and support;
Teacher training; Creating an
accessible learning environment; disabilities
Community-wide awareness-
raising; Policy change; and
Child-to-child activities.
Child-to-child Community-
activities wide
awareness
49,496 raising
Since 2008 we have
supported 49,496 children
with disabilities to get an
education in Africa and Asia Policy change
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 30
88%
Stigma and misconceptions around
Julia and Valentina’s story – disability had made it hard for Julia,
“Other children were laughing
forming friendships who has a disability, to make friends at me because I was a friend
at school. of Julia. However, as time
Child-to-child clubs are a key
went on through the child-to-
element of all our inclusive 88% of children with disabilities
Since attending the child-to-child child clubs, all the children reported greater self-confidence
education projects. The clubs
encourage children with and
club, Julia and Valentina have in the club love to play and since being part of our inclusive
become close friends. They now do help Julia.”
without disabilities to socialise and education project in Tanzania7
their homework together and play
support each other. They also offer Valentina
together outside of school. Julia is
a great environment to learn more
very bright and helps Valentina
about disability inclusion and the
academically. And Valentina makes
importance of equal rights for
sure Julia is included in school
all children.
activities.
In Tanzania, our inclusive education
Their friendship has also shown
project, funded by Comic Relief,
the rest of the community the
has been life-changing for Julia and
importance of inclusion, and that
Valentina. Their friendship started
children with disabilities should
to blossom after we introduced
not be left out.
child-to-child clubs to their school.
Before the project started, they
hadn’t really got to know each
other, despite being classmates.
“The child-to-child club meant
I could interact with other
children and get more friends.
This makes me feel happy and
comfortable, something which
was not possible before.”
Julia
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 31
Moi has been able to start changing Moi says: “It is the responsibility of
Moi’s story – changing attitudes in his community after those with the knowledge like the The Orbit Reader –
attitudes in the community training to be a male mentor. He male mentors to enlighten the rest a simple device that
Parent support groups and other comes from a community with of the community and practise makes a big difference
community projects help create serious gender inequality and high what they preach.”
rates of Female Genital Mutilation. We are supporting schools to
support networks and raise expand the use of innovative
awareness of disability in the low-cost assistive technology
Thanks to Moi’s efforts, households
3,426
wider community. One of our more for learners with disabilities. One
are abandoning outdated attitudes
innovative initiatives in this area is example is the Orbit Reader, a
and harmful practices. The result is
our male mentor programme. lightweight device that pupils use
a new future for local women and
girls and a healthier role for men to read and take notes in Braille.
When our Girls’ Education The notes can then be converted
and fathers. In 2020/21 we trained 3,426 parents
Challenge project started out in back to electronic print for the
and male mentors on inclusive
Kenya, the team observed that teacher to read and grade.
education
almost all of those caring for
children with disabilities were In Kenya, we partnered with
women, and most of the people eKitabu to train 75 teachers on
attending meetings and training how to use and support visually
for the project were also women. impaired and blind students
with Orbit Readers.
As a result, we put in place our
male mentor programme to Marydith has a visual impairment,
address patriarchal norms and and her teacher Pauline has
reduce stigma in the community. been supporting her to use the
Fathers of girls with disabilities are technology in class. The Orbit
trained as male mentors, who then Reader has greatly improved
sensitise other men on the rights Marydith’s learning progress –
and needs of girls with disabilities. she can now read and write
without straining her eyes. This
helps her to succeed in class
and stay at the same level as
her classmates.
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 32
A global influencer on As governments across the
world sought to get education
inclusive education systems back on track during the
pandemic, we co-organised a
webinar focusing on the challenges
We have increased government faced by girls with disabilities.
awareness of inclusive education
in several countries, and we have Our webinar, attended by around
worked at a global level to provide 1,000 people, amplified the
evidence, research and advice on experiences, learnings and
inclusive education systems, to recommendations from a diverse
support and guide policy range of organisations and
implementation. expertise, with the shared goal of
ensuring that girls with disabilities
As the pandemic amplified do not become even more
inequalities in education, we joined marginalised in education.
the Global Education Coalition
launched by UNESCO in May 2020 We’ve also shared our models with
– a platform for collaboration the Global Education Coalition on
and exchange to protect the right distance learning and blended In November 2020, we partnered One of the key themes was
to education during this training so that teachers are with UNESCO and the Portuguese addressing violence and bullying
unprecedented disruption and equipped to respond to the widest Ministry of Education to co-host against learners with disabilities.
beyond. This multi-sector Coalition range of diversity in classrooms. an international symposium on Through a new partnership with
brought together 175 institutional ensuring the right to quality UNESCO, we are looking at the
partners from the UN, civil society, inclusive education for people with scale of these issues, and carrying
academia and the private sector. disabilities. The online event was out a research project in five
attended by 400 key education countries in East and Southern
stakeholders, including senior Africa. The research will be
21,759
representatives from a range of published in late 2021 with the
UN and donor agencies, education aim of making schools safer places
ministry representatives and youth for learners with disabilities.
with disabilities, who shared their
Our influencing activities have own perspectives on how to ensure
reached 21,759 individuals quality inclusive education for all.
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 33
One example of this is in South We also influenced the review
Influencing national policy Sudan, where we are the specialist and development of the inclusive
in South Sudan disability partner on the Girls’ education policy in South Sudan,
In many cases, Education programme. We working with partners to ensure
As well as influencing at a global
our activities have level, we work with key national delivered awareness raising and the policy is closely aligned with
led to further outcomes and local decision-makers, capacity building workshops to the UN Convention on the Rights of
such as decision- increasing awareness that influence programme partners to Persons with Disabilities. Following
makers developing implementing inclusive education embed standardised questions on this, we supported the Government
increasingly inclusive is a legal and policy obligation. In disability8 in the national school to produce an implementation plan
many cases, our activities have registration tool and education for the roll out of the policy.
policies and practices census. This means from now on
led to further outcomes such
as decision-makers developing the Ministry of Education will Through close collaboration with
increasingly inclusive policies recognise more impairment types, the South Sudan Union of Persons
and practices. which will better inform planning with Disabilities, we strengthened
and access to education for the Government’s recognition of
children with disabilities. They the important role of disability
currently only have data for 6,000 activists and champions as
children with disabilities in school. partners in changing the discourse
However, we predict an actual around disability. We also trained
number closer to 145,000 when radio broadcasters on disability
all disabilities are included. awareness, ensuring young people
with disabilities were interviewed
on local and national radio stations.
This brought a powerful message
to the public that everyone has a
right to education in their local
schools and raised awareness of
the important role that the
Government and communities
have in making that right a reality.
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 34
Our Can Do programme –
a lifeline for young people
Through our Can Do programme,
we enable young people with
disabilities across the UK to
2,249 92% 83%
learn new skills and build their We supported 2,249 people 92% of Can Do participants reported 83% of Can Do participants
confidence with community-based with disabilities through our an improvement in their health reported increased social inclusion10
volunteering opportunities. Can Do programme in the UK and wellbeing, feeling good about
themselves and seeing a positive
Can Do has been a lifeline
difference in their lives9
for young people during the
pandemic. We adapted quickly
“Doing Can Do has definitely
in response to the lockdown and
changed me. I know for
have developed and refined virtual
delivery of the programme. Online a fact that I can get a job,
sessions have ranged from stand- and it has helped me gain
up comedy to cheerleading, dance, more confidence, more
wellbeing and poetry. independence, getting
me to socialise more with
In 2020/21 we received £3m for different people.”
Can Do from the Covid-19 Support
Fund, supported by the Association Morgan,
of British Insurers. This amazing Can Do summer
grant will enable us to run our sessions participant
award-winning programme for the
next three years, expanding it to
additional locations across the UK.
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 35
We included treats like chocolates
Connecting with the and handcrafted cards in the bags,
community – from a distance and the NHS staff were blown away
Mikaela Campbell is a Can Do by how fantastic they looked.
Coordinator from Conwy. She
explained how one of her Can Do We also teamed up with Souper
groups found a way to support Sunday Rhyl, who provide free
their local community from a meals for homeless people every
distance during the pandemic: week – packing Christmas boxes
full of items that they would find
“After a long period of school helpful during the winter months.
closures due to Covid-19, we were
finally in a position to get our Can The project was a great distraction
Do group going at Ysgol Tir Morfa, for everyone during the very
a community special school in strange and unpredictable times
Wales, in October 2020. I met with of a global pandemic. We found
the group weekly over Microsoft a way to channel our energy into
Teams. This particular group was helping others whilst learning
very enthusiastic about making new skills and connecting with
a difference and helping our community in a positive way
the community. – and all from a distance.”
Neither I nor the school had
embarked on such a hands-on “Our project has taught me
virtual project before. Still, to be more sociable and open
somehow, we managed to sew and with people. It’s given me the
tie-dye pillowcase bags for NHS confidence that I’ve never
staff at a local hospital. The staff actually found myself. I’m
use the bags to put their uniform proud of myself for getting
in and wash after each shift to stuck into something.”
minimise cross-contamination.
Dylan
Can Do participant
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 36
Owen has been steadily building
Owen’s story – from his skills while volunteering and “The thousands of people
self-doubt to self-confidence has now moved into a Volunteer who volunteer for us are
For many of the people taking Coordinator Assistant role, invaluable and put simply,
part in our programmes, their first supporting us to coordinate all we would not be the charity we
experience with Leonard Cheshire our other amazing volunteers. are without them.”
is by no means their last. What He’s also started an online focus
may start out as a one-off project group for people with disabilities to Dr Ruth Owen OBE
can develop into a life-changing campaign on improved access and Chief Executive, Leonard
experience. We work with people other local issues. He has big plans Cheshire
on an individual basis, providing for the group and is hoping they
opportunities for them to learn will be able to achieve some real
4,000
and grow wherever possible. change for the community.
Owen is someone who has really
developed during his journey with
us. Owen is 23 and has cerebral “Before my Leonard Cheshire In 2020/21 our work was supported
palsy. He first got involved with days I used to be a very quiet by 4,000 amazing volunteers
Leonard Cheshire through our Can mouse. Now I’ve learnt things,
Do programme in Southampton, I’ve got loads of independence
which is funded by Comic Relief and confidence. It’s given me
and the #iwill Fund.11 He then went a massive boost. I feel like a
on to volunteer at our Fryers House completely different person
residential home.
now from when I started. It
can help you in all sorts of
different ways and give you all
sorts of different opportunities.”
Owen
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 37
Unlocking the
digital world
Just 54% of people with disabilities Virtual ways of life are the new
in the UK have access to a norm due to Covid-19 – intensifying
computer for personal use,12 and digital inequalities and making
15% have never used the internet.13 digital inclusion even more vital. We
Our digital inclusion programmes responded by making sure we could
support people with disabilities support clients remotely wherever
with equipment and training to possible, and helping them to stay
access the digital world. connected during lockdown.
Access to technology can be life- In 2020/21 we supported 1,727
changing, unlocking activities and people with disabilities with
experiences that were previously equipment and training to access
impossible – like communicating the digital world through our digital
with family and friends, or taking inclusion programmes in the UK.
part in online education We also established five new
opportunities and employment. Discover IT centres, bringing the
total number to 35. Meanwhile,
62 of our residential services were
supported with new accessible
IT equipment and training.
1,727 96%
We supported 1,727 people through 96% of customers reported
our digital inclusion programmes in increased social inclusion
the UK since being on our digital
inclusion programmes14
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 38
Zoom chats with a support group,
…and has opened up a new emails friends, studies maps of
world for Andrew favourite places, and keeps in touch
New technology has been just as with developments in his local area.
life-changing for Andrew, who has
macular degeneration, a visual Being able to connect with others
impairment. A befriending has made a world of difference to
organisation in Dumfries & Andrew: “At the beginning of the
Galloway put Andrew in contact pandemic, I lost confidence, I didn’t
with us when the lockdown was want to go out or speak to other
starting to impact on his wellbeing. people. I realised my world was
getting smaller and I needed to
Our Go Digital programme take care of my mental health. The
provided Andrew with an iPad and support I’ve received and the iPad
weekly support sessions from a have opened up my world and my
dedicated digital buddy to help mind. It’s given me more
him explore the accessibility confidence. I feel included and
features, such as magnification and happy to chat with other people
She now uses Alexa for everything voice control. He now has regular again.”
Technology has been life- from calling friends, listening to
changing for Natalie… music, quizzes and meditation to
learning new languages. Her
Technology has helped Natalie
confidence has grown in leaps and
rebuild her confidence and stay
bounds: “Leonard Cheshire’s digital
connected with friends and family.
inclusion programme has helped
Natalie, who lives on her own and
me to be more expressive and
uses a wheelchair, received an
learn different ways to do things.
Amazon Alexa and digital training
Technology can make you more
from our digital inclusion
independent. When we started
programme. “I could not have done
I was so nervous – I kept saying
lockdown without Alexa,” says
I can’t do it. Now I’m doing three
Natalie. “It would have been really
languages and arts and crafts.
lonely without it to be honest. Alexa
It’s life-changing. It does change
stopped me going into a dark place.”
you that much.”
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 39
Looking to
the future
“Our deep connections with
communities and well-established
models of support helped us to adapt
rapidly during the pandemic.
Looking to the future we are now
well-positioned to continue building
on the best practices that have
emerged in terms of delivery and IMAGE TBC
innovation. Strengthened
documentation, learning and research
approaches will enable us to share
best practice more widely and build
on our reputation as a global influencer
on inclusive approaches to education
and learning.”
Sunanda Mavillapalli
Global Head of Programmes
and Technical Assistance
Vickles, a pupil at
Ng’ong’onha Primary
School, Tanzania
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 40
Work
Supporting people with
disabilities to access meaningful
employment and fulfilling careers
22,152 3,401 45m
We supported We trained 3,401 We reached almost
22,152 people with government 45 million people
disabilities to seek representatives, through our ‘Locked
employment in the employers, members out of the labour
UK, Africa and Asia of organisations market’ report and
of persons with media activities
disabilities and
other key players on
inclusive employment
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021Introduction Our reach Live Learn Work Our year at a glance 41
Globally, people with
disabilities are around
Despite some progress in
attitudes, many employers lack
an understanding of disability, with
22,152 3,401
twice as likely to be 24% of employers saying they are We supported 22,152 people with We trained 3,401 government
less likely to employ a person with
unemployed as those a disability.16
disabilities to seek employment
in the UK, Africa and Asia
representatives, employers,
members of organisations
without disabilities.15 of persons with disabilities and
That’s why we also work with
other key players on inclusive
All too often people with disabilities employers to improve their
employment
are unable to get on the career understanding of disability
ladder or fulfil their ambitions. and inclusion and create more
This means they are denied the sustainable employment
confidence and independence that opportunities for people with
being able to support yourself and disabilities.
your family financially can bring.
Our UK and international
employment programmes support
people with disabilities throughout
their journey towards sustainable
employment. We provide careers
advice, training, work experience,
paid internships, support to
become self-employed and
in-work assistance.
Leonard Cheshire Our impact 2021You can also read
