Disabled Londoners are 9% less likely to volunteer than non-disabled Londoners account to figures published by the Government today.
According to the Office of the Third Sector 27% of disabled adults undertook formal voluntary work during 2008 – 2009, compared to 36% of the general adult population.
To help increase the number of disabled Londoners volunteering the Government has created a new grant fund. Organisations will be able to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to help overcome barriers that stop disabled people volunteering, such as specific equipment, a lack of suitable access and understanding of disability issues.
The grants, form part of a £2 million fund developed by the Office of the Third Sector in the Cabinet Office as a pilot scheme in London, the West Midlands and the North West. The fund will operate between Autumn 2009 and Spring 2011.
Angela Smith, Minister for the Third Sector, said: “Volunteering is an unbeatable way to build confidence and skills and we want to get as many people as possible volunteering – with or without a disability.”
“We know that there are many barriers stopping disabled people volunteering and this targeted funds aims to overcome limits.”
To find out how to apply, or to become a member of a local assessment panel, visit www.accesstovolunteering.org or call 03000 123 346.
