News / Motivation
Disability charity under threat of closure launches appeal
A Bristol charity is still counting the financial cost of the coronavirus pandemic – two years on from the first lockdown.
Motivation, an organisation that supports disabled people, say their income is “devastated” after international aid cuts have caused the loss of a significant grant from the government.
On top of this, the charity and social enterprise is still reeling from the effects of Covid-19, a time they say “disabled people were left behind and forgotten”.
is needed now More than ever
Motivation, which is based in Bedminster but has a global reach, is now urgently appealing for funds to bridge the shortfall in funding and solidify its future.
https://twitter.com/WeAreMotivation/status/1502314680324403212
A spokesperson from the charity said: “The prolonged effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and cuts to international aid shattered the lives of disabled people and at the same time devastated Motivation’s income.”
“The environment continues to be challenging; commercial wheelchair orders have not resumed and we are worried for the future of Motivation – and for the communities we know still need the wheelchairs and the services we provide.”
They added: “Your support will secure the future of Motivation and accessibility, inclusion, and prosperity for disabled people around the world.”
Motivation offers a range of services within the disability sector – from providing wheelchairs and training worldwide to championing disabled peoples’ rights and their inclusion in society. The organisation has supplied more than 120,000 wheelchairs in its history – and they say the need for their projects continues to rise.
Motivation’s wheelchairs, programmes and advocacy work has been changing lives for three decades – photo: Motivation
“One in seven of the world’s population lives with a disability,” said Motivation chief executive Amanda Wilkinson.
She added: “In the countries where we work, it is estimated to be one in five. Yet just 0.5 per cent of all international aid goes to projects focused on disability. This simply isn’t enough to fulfil the UN global commitments and realise the rights of disabled to live in a world that fully includes them.”
“That is why we advocate for change in the sector alongside delivering programmes that focus on sustainable progress that will deliver lasting benefits to the people and communities we empower, long after donor funding and project work stops.”
“We need your help to continue this work.”
Motivation have launched their ‘Keep Us Moving’ appeal with the aim of raising £300,000.
To support the appeal, visit: www.motivation.org.uk/donate/keep-us-moving-appeal
Main photo: Motivation
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