We are Leonard Cheshire

We are Leonard Cheshire – supporting individuals to live, learn and work as independently as they choose, whatever their ability. Led by people with experience of disability, we are at the heart of local life – opening doors to opportunity, choice and support in communities around the globe. Like our founder, we believe that diversity creates a world of possibility. Through pioneering research and innovation we’re building a fairer, more inclusive society. One that recognises the positive contributions we all make, and where we are all proud to play our part. Leading by example, we do everything humanly possible to empower people to live their lives as freely and as fully as they choose. We support disabled people in many different ways, to reflect what they tell us they want. This includes providing care in people’s own homes, in supported living accommodation, in residential care homes, in day centres and through our programmes. Our focus is on putting the views of disabled people at the heart of our decision making, for example through our customer council. The council members are a small group of customers from across Leonard Cheshire, who review the organisation’s plans, and make recommendations to the executive leadership team and board of trustees. Our head office is based in London, and we have over 100 services including care homes and day centres across the UK. Internationally, we are part of the Global Alliance (GA) of Leonard Cheshire charities which works to improve the lives of disabled people in 54 countries. In addition to our social care services, we deliver a number of employment and skills development programmes: • Can Do offers opportunities for 10 to 35 year-old disabled people to volunteer in their communities, developing skills and knowledge to lead more independent lives and be socially active. • Change100 connects disabled students with paid internships at top UK companies. • Discover IT is a network of accessible IT rooms giving disabled people access to computers and equipment in their community. • Discover IT @ Home offers disabled people access to computers and adapted equipment within their homes. • Our Work Choice voluntary employment programme that supports disabled people to become ready for work. For many people, it is the stepping stone into full, unsupported employment. • Internationally, we have supported over 17,000 people with disabilities into paid or self-employment in Africa and Asia, and provided skills training for nearly 50,000.