Disabled youth charity’s £220k boost helps tackle isolation

@AoDisability – Young disabled people will get help to overcome isolation and become more independent – thanks to a £220,000 cash boost for a west London charity.

Action On Disability, which works with young people aged 11 to 25, has been given a grant from City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporation’s charity funder.

The Fulham-based charity runs a weekly youth club, offers employment and benefits advice and supports young people to access the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and take part in volunteering.

It says the funding will allow it to continue to help young people build friendships and social networks – something which has taken on increased importance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dhruv Patel, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s City Bridge Trust Committee, said:

“Young disabled people often feel a sense of isolation from their peers, and that’s something which unfortunately has increased because of the lockdown restrictions in place in recent months.

“They need the support of Action On Disability now more than ever, and this funding will give the charity the security of knowing they can continue to provide this vital service in the months and years to come.”

Like many charities, Action on Disability, which helps young people aged 11 to 25 – predominantly in Hammersmith & Fulham – has adapted its services during the pandemic with a shift to online support.

As restrictions ease, it will soon be launching its summer programme, helping dozens of young people to get active and spend time with their friends safely during the summer holidays.

Tamara Stuiver, Action On Disability’s Youth Progression Co-ordinator, said:

“If someone comes to our door aged 11, we hope by the time they leave us they will have the confidence to be able to live independently and the resilience to handle anything that life throws their way.

“This funding means they know they can continue to come along, be with, and grow with, their peers, in a safe space, and for all the young people we work with that’s a hugely important thing.”