Ability Dogs 4 Young People: Enhancing the independence of disabled young people and children in the Isle of Wight

Ability Dogs 4 Young People is expanding its facilities and strengthening its long-term sustainability, supported by a Charity Bank loan.

Social Need

For many disabled children and young people, everyday tasks can be challenging and limiting. Access to the right support can make a significant difference to independence, confidence and quality of life.

Specialist assistance dogs can provide practical help with daily activities while also supporting emotional wellbeing.

Organisation

Ability Dogs 4 Young People is a charity based on the Isle of Wight that trains assistance dogs to enhance the independence of disabled children and young people up to the age of 30.

The organisation works with individuals with a range of physical and neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy, autism, diabetes and epilepsy. Its assistance dogs are trained to carry out practical day-to-day tasks such as picking up items, opening doors, helping with dressing and supporting safe movement outdoors. Alongside this, the dogs provide consistent companionship, helping to build confidence, reduce anxiety and support emotional wellbeing.

Quincy, an Ability Dogs 4 Young People assistance dog.

Loan

Ability Dogs 4 Young People used a Charity Bank loan to support the purchase of premises that the charity was already operating from as a shop.

The shop generates income that helps fund the organisation’s work, including the training of assistance dogs and support for disabled children and young people. The purchase was funded through a combination of a Charity Bank loan, internal reserves and a trustee loan, forming a wider funding package.

Securing ownership of the property reduces reliance on leasing arrangements and provides greater certainty over an important source of income.

Impact

Owning the shop premises will help Ability Dogs 4 Young People’s financial position by securing a stable base for its income-generating activities. This reduces exposure to rising rental costs and provides more certainty over a key funding stream that supports the charity’s work.

“We’ve always been focused on helping disabled children and young people live more independently, and having a secure base is a big part of that. Owning our premises gives us greater stability and allows us to plan for the future with more confidence. Charity Bank took the time to understand our work and supported us in taking this important step.”

Carol Court, CEO, Ability Dogs 4 Young People