The Disabilities Trust

Overview

The Disabilities Trust, now operating under the name Brainkind, is a UK-based nonprofit organization with a charity number of 800797. It is dedicated to providing rehabilitation and support services to individuals with acquired brain injuries, profound physical impairments, learning disabilities, and autism.

History

The Disabilities Trust was established in 1979 with the goal of improving the lives of people with brain injuries in the UK. Over the years, it has expanded its scope to include a broader range of services for individuals with various neurological conditions.

Services and Activities

Brainkind operates a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Rehabilitation: The organization offers neurorehabilitation programs designed to help individuals recover and regain lost skills due to brain injuries. These injuries may be sustained through trauma, illness, or substance abuse.
• Residential and Community-Based Services: Through its Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT), Brainkind manages 11 residential assessment and rehabilitation centers and two independent hospitals. Additionally, it provides community-based services to support individuals in their own homes.
• Autism Support: Brainkind operates 10 residential and community-based services for children and adults with autism, along with a special day school for children and young people with autism.

Objectives and Impact

The primary objective of Brainkind is to support individuals in achieving their personal goals and living independently to the fullest extent possible. The organization aims to help people return to their own homes or find accommodation that meets their needs. It provides an integrated program of assessment, treatment, and ongoing support, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that includes physiotherapy, psychology, and speech and language therapy.

Brainkind supports around 1,000 people annually and employs approximately 1,500 dedicated staff members. The organization's activities are funded through a combination of government contracts, grants, investments, and donations.

Financial Overview

For the financial year ending May 2024, Brainkind reported a total income of £61,140,000, with the majority coming from government contracts. The total expenditure was £66,800,000, primarily allocated to charitable activities. Despite a slight deficit, the organization continues to deliver substantial support across the UK.

Rebranding to Brainkind

The Disabilities Trust rebranded as Brainkind to reflect its focus on supporting individuals with brain injuries and other neurological conditions. This rebranding aims to enhance its mission of helping people thrive after brain injuries and making life well-lived possible for those affected by such conditions.

[1] https://brainkind.org/news/we-are-now-officially-brainkind/ [2] https://brainkind.org [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/800797 [4] https://webmicrosites.hays.co.uk/web/the-disabilities-trust/about-us [5] https://www.uk.cdw.com/case-studies/the-disabilities-trust/