Impact Report 2024
WECIL continues to advocate locally and nationally, contributing to the Disabled People’s Manifesto and hosting election Hustings to place disability at the forefront of political debate.
said we met their access needs, whether by meeting at the right time, providing interpreters, or accommodating other needs.
CEO's Sumary
2024 has been a year of resilience and growth for WECIL, with strong financial performance and expanded services supporting Disabled people to live independently. Our Navigators and Self-Advocacy groups have grown, responding to increasing community needs. WECIL remains committed to empowering Disabled people and advancing disability equality.
Chair's summary
Reflecting on the past year, I’m proud of WECIL’s achievements and mindful of the work ahead for full equality for Disabled people. With 58 staff and £2.2m turnover, our diverse Board—75% Disabled people—ensures sound decisions. Strong leadership, governance, and co-production remain central to empowering and representing our community effectively.
Our awards in 2024
Our achievements have been recognised through several prestigious awards, including the Locality UK Power of Community Award, which highlights the vital role of DPOs in the community sector. We also received the Equity and Diversity Award at the Bristol Social Impact Awards for our commitment to diversity, and
the Altogether Different Award at the Annual Playwork Awards, celebrating our innovative approach to inclusive play for Disabled children and young people.
Our impact in 23/24
new cases opened offering individuals
their own personal Navigator.
Disabled children and young people supported, including those served by our subcontractors.
of service users reported that staff were friendly, professional, non-judgmental, and responsive.
grant applications for home
modifications processed.
Our commitments
Strategic Objective 1
Develop inclusive services for the widest range of Disabled people.
Strategic Objective 2
Empower Disabled people to self-advocate and control their support.
Strategic Objective 3
Be a leading voice for disability equality, influencing policy and practice.
Strategic Objective 4
Ensure financial sustainability through innovation and social enterprise.
Strategic Objective 5
Improve services through feedback and continuous enhancement.
Strategic Objective 6
Strengthen partnerships to better support local communities.
Strategic Objective 7
Improve governance to be inclusive of the Disabled people we serve.
Strategic Objective 8
Foster well-being, promote inclusion, and embrace diversity.
Strategic Objective 9
Consult Disabled people to identify service gaps and new support areas.
Independent Living Payments and Payroll
2023 to 2024 has been a landmark year for WECIL’s Independent Living Payment (ILP) and Payroll Support services. Both areas achieved a strong budget surplus, enabling WECIL to further its mission of supporting Deaf and Disabled people to live independently. This is a testament to our innovative approach and commitment to serving our community.
“WECIL Direct Payment Support are incrediblyn conscientious, hardworking, efficient and helpful. They have helped me out in so many ways.”
people employed their own Personal Assistants, enabling them to live the life they choose.
Vouchers issued, and 120 grant applications processed for the Disabled community.
WECIL Community
The Click and Chat Community/Navigator team at WECIL provides empathetic, person-centred support, helping Disabled people live the lives they choose. This year, we focused on the cost-of-living crisis and financial well-being, expanding our team and recruiting Benefits and Reception Navigators to meet increased demand and deliver timely, informed support.
“You deserve every grant to help people.”
People’s Voice and Know Your Rights
We recruited six Project Workers with lived experience of learning disabilities or neurodivergence to advocate for their community. Over the year, we held 12 Speak Up Groups and united them to strengthen their voice. The team created Easy Read voting guides, wrote a blog, and hosted an event on key issues like employment and mental health. Now members of Learning Disability England, we are setting up a new organisation and have delivered training on equality, safeguarding, and leadership.
The Children and Young People’s department delivered vital Short Breaks services, supporting Disabled children, young people, and families. Through play, youth activities, holiday schemes, and community support, we created inclusive environments where children thrive, make friends, and develop.
“He loved it and I love seeing him so happy, it made such a difference for me to have a breather.”
62 volunteer Befriending Links established.
40 voluntary
and community organisations supported through the Community Resilience Fund, improving access and inclusion across all communities.
2023-24 has been a year of growth and progress for the Disability.Inc. team, with a notable 19% increase in income. Our team became more diverse, with greater representation of lived experience across the department. This year, we were proud to win Bristol’s Social Impact Award for Equity and Diversity in February 2024, a recognition of our commitment to making a difference.
“The impact on our clients was significant, and their feedback has been clearly reflected in our design and planning.”– Malcom Hamilton, Play:Disrupt
The impact report
Discover how we’re making a difference—read our Impact Report 2024 and explore the milestones, stories, and progress shaping a better future!
