Bath Disability Trust

Bath Disability Trust is a charitable fund, evolved from the Bath Association for Disabled People, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for physically or mentally impaired residents in the City of Bath and immediate adjoining parishes—Swainswick, Batheaston, Bathampton, Claverton, Monkton Combe, Southstoke, Combe Hay, Englishcombe, Newton St Loe, Kelston, and Charlcombe. Guided by a pragmatic, needs-led ethos emphasizing local impact, accessibility, and direct relief, it prioritizes tangible solutions to reduce disability barriers, fostering independence, mobility, and community integration through targeted, accountable investments.

The Trust funds aids and adaptations for individuals, such as wheelchairs, ramps, hoists, stair lifts, postural furniture, and accessible showers; educational bursaries to support progression; and grants to local organizations for building modifications (e.g., automatic doors, lifts) and wheelchair-accessible transport. Beneficiaries are strictly local disabled people or groups delivering direct practical benefits, with grants paid exclusively to suppliers for accountability.

Eligible applicants include individuals and smaller local charities or groups based or operating in the specified areas, requiring proof of residence, disability (via medical/financial endorsement), and supplier quotes—no income thresholds, but preference for grassroots entities. Unsolicited applications use downloadable Personal or Organisation forms submitted by email; rolling basis with quarterly trustee meetings (March, June, September, December), decisions in 6–12 weeks, and possible site visits.

Exclusions encompass core costs, unrestricted funding, advocacy, policy, or research; it rejects non-local or non-disability-specific requests. Distinctive for its hyperlocal scope, supplier-direct payments, and modest grants (£250–£5,000) yielding high individual/community impact, it stands out as a responsive enabler of everyday inclusion in Bath.