Wales & West Housing Group donates £60,000 to support charities working with disabled people
Two charities which give a voice and choice to disabled people across Wales have shared a £60,000 donation to help further their work.
Disability Wales and Disability Sport Wales are the chosen charities for 2024 for Wales & West Housing Group.
Over the next three years each charity will receive £10,000 per year, a total of £30,000 each, towards their work to promote equality for disabled people.
Disability Wales is the national association of Disabled People’s Organisations and fights for the rights, equality and independent living of disabled people. Disability Sports Wales provides and promotes physical activity for disabled people.
Alex Ashton, Chair of the Board at Wales & West Housing Group, said: “Over the years we have supported many charities that deal with issues that affect our residents and communities.
“Inequality in society means that not everyone has the same opportunities. As an organisation we are on a journey to recognise and challenge inequality and make sure everyone has the same opportunities.”
Alex Ashton, Chair of the Board at Wales & West Housing Group
“This year we were keen to support two fantastic charities which champion the rights of disabled people in Wales.
“Disability Wales is run by disabled people for disabled people. It believes that all disabled people have the right to fully participate and be supported in their communities. By focusing on the provision of information, development and training opportunities, it gives a strong voice and leadership to influence the issues that matter to their members.
“Disability Sports Wales believes every disabled person should have a real choice as to where, when and how often they are active and play sport. It works with disabled people and those working in sports and leisure to create more inclusivity through its events, workshops, activities and learning resources.
“Both charities are doing important work to promote inclusivity. We hope that our contribution will allow them to make a difference in furthering the rights and equality of disabled people across Wales.”
Rhian Davies, Chief Executive of Disability Wales, said: “We are delighted to be chosen by Wales & West Housing as one of its charity partners. We are looking forward to building and strengthening our links with the organisation and its communities.
“Disabled people make up over a fifth of the population and many have faced considerable challenges due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis.
“The donation will greatly enhance our work in providing information, engagement opportunities and representation so that all disabled people have the right to fully participate and be supported in their communities.”
Rhian Davies, Chief Executive of Disability Wales
Fiona Reid, Chief Executive of Disability Sports Wales, said: “The donation is hugely appreciated. We will use it to extend our services to connect disabled people to activity and to support opportunities which may not be there now but would be valued locally.
“The impact of the relationship with Wales & West Housing is greater than the financial donation.
“We know that whilst provision of inclusive activities and sport is increasing, the awareness and connection of local communities to that activity still needs strengthening.
“This can, in part, be achieved through better connected communication and working with a range of organisations who have relationships with disabled people.
“The ongoing relationship with Wales & West Housing’s staff and residents means that we are better able to have conversations with disabled people who don’t know what is available in terms of physical activity and sport local to them.
Fiona Reid, Chief Executive of Disability Sports Wales
“We hope this will lead to more opportunities, awareness and choice in the future.”