Organization
Leonard Cheshire
Leonard Cheshire is one of the UK's largest disability charities, providing care and support services domestically and running international programmes in over 30 countries, primarily in Africa and Asia. Its international programmes focus on inclusive education, livelihoods, and disability rights in low-income countries.
About Leonard Cheshire
Leonard Cheshire was founded in 1948 by Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC, a decorated World War II RAF pilot who, after the war, opened his home to care for disabled veterans and civilians. The organisation grew into one of the largest disability charities in the UK, operating care homes and community services.
The organisation has undergone significant evolution — from a traditional charity model of providing care for disabled people, toward a human rights and independent living model that prioritises the choices and autonomy of the people it serves. This transition reflects broader shifts in the disability sector and has been a subject of ongoing discussion within the organisation and the wider disability community.
What they do
UK services: Leonard Cheshire operates care homes, supported living services, and community programmes for disabled adults in the UK. It also provides employment support services.
International programme: Change (Leonard Cheshire's international programme) works in over 30 countries, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, on inclusive education, economic empowerment for disabled people, and disability rights advocacy. International programmes include support for disabled people's organisations, inclusive education initiatives, and livelihood programmes.
Advocacy: Leonard Cheshire advocates in the UK for adequate social care funding, independent living, employment for disabled people, and accessible transport.
Key programs and resources
- UK care and support services: Residential and community
- Change international programme: Inclusive education, livelihoods, DPO support
- Employment support programmes in the UK
- Disability and International Development resources
Who they serve
Disabled people across the lifespan in the UK, and in low- and middle-income countries through the Change programme.
Why it matters
Leonard Cheshire's international work addresses disability rights in contexts where formal disability rights infrastructure is minimal and poverty significantly compounds the barriers faced by disabled people. Their inclusive education work in Africa and South Asia brings schooling to disabled children who would otherwise be excluded. In the UK, Leonard Cheshire is one of the most significant social care providers for disabled people.
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