Julia and Hans Rausing have announced grants totalling £2 million to 41 disability charities across the UK.
The grants, ranging from £440,000 to £4,000, will support charities of varying sizes meet the challenges of helping those with disabilities amidst the cost-of-living crisis.
Research from the Trussell Trust, has shown more than a quarter of disabled people experience food insecurity, which is nearly three times higher than the rate amongst non-disabled people. Additionally, the requirement by so many for specialist equipment brings day-to-day higher energy usage and higher utility bills.
Charities which are receiving funds from Julia and Hans Rausing include:
- National Star: A Gloucestershire based charity providing young disabled students education and personalised learning opportunities alongside transition and accommodation services. The £440,000 donation will be used towards its ‘Building a Brighter Future Project’, a brand new £6 million residence for students with complex disabilities in Gloucestershire.
- The Wingate Special Children’s Trust: The Cheshire based charity aims to allow those with SEND to be active, improve their health and mental well being and to grow in confidence through its inclusive residential and sport & recreation facilities. The £195,000 donation will provide support with running costs over the next three years.
- Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust: The £25,000 donation will support a number of its ‘Music for Dignity’ programme, which delivers weekly music sessions to physically disabled adults attending day centres, residential homes and at the Sunbeams Music Centre.
Julia and Hans Rausing said “We have always focused the majority of our Trust on supporting charities that widen opportunities and improve wellbeing and health outcomes. The 41 charities we have selected provide help for people who require significant assistance on a day-to-day basis.
“To meet the complex needs of people with disabilities requires highly skilled and compassionate individuals as well as state of the art equipment and facilities, which are becoming more expensive through the cost-of-living crisis. The charities we are funding are all doing essential work and we are pleased we have been able to help them in continuing to deliver their services.”
Peter Horne, Deputy Chief Executive of National Star, said: “The generous and significant gift from Julia and Hans Rausing came at an important point of National Star’s fundraising for our ‘Building a Brighter Future’ development project and will have a huge impact on the lives of young people with complex disabilities.
“Being able to attend college, as any other young person, and develop independence, communication skills and confidence is paramount as they prepare for adulthood.
“National Star, thanks to the support from Julia and Hans Rausing, now has a modern facility that will enable us to work with a wide range of young people who have complex disabilities and needs.”