More than one in five Cornish residents are living with a limiting disability

Across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, thousands of people are living with disabilities or long-term health conditions that affect their daily lives, access to opportunities and overall wellbeing.

While there have been positive improvements in employment across the county, many disabled people continue to face significant barriers that limit their ability to participate fully in work and community life.

According to Census data, 120,570 people in Cornwall – more than one in five residents (21.2%) – have a disability that limits their day-to-day activities, significantly higher than the national average of 17.3%. In addition, 37% of households include one or more disabled people, highlighting just how many families are affected.

The challenges extend beyond health alone. Cornwall Council’s Director of Public Health Annual Report found that around 77,500 working-age people were economically inactive in 2024, with almost one-third on long-term sick leave, largely due to mental ill health and musculoskeletal conditions. Employment rates for people with disabilities and life-limiting conditions remain well below the national average, making financial security, social inclusion and independence even harder to achieve.

Although unemployment has fallen overall, an estimated 35,500 people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly continue to experience unemployment or job insecurity. We know that unemployment can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health, creating additional challenges for individuals and families already facing disadvantage.

All of these stats can be found in our Vital Issues research in partnership with the University of Exeter.

Investing in local organisations making a difference

At Cornwall Community Foundation, we are proud to support charities and community groups that are improving the lives of disabled people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Our funding helps these organisations provide accessible activities, specialist equipment, therapeutic support, inclusive opportunities, transport, advice and advocacy, helping people to build confidence, reduce isolation and live more independent lives. These grassroots organisationsGroups of people coming together on a local level to address an issue. understand the unique needs of their communities and are often best placed to deliver practical, person-centred support where it is needed most.

By investing in these local charities, we are helping to remove barriers, improve wellbeing and create more inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The organisations we’ve been so proud to support include: Active8 (pictured), DisAbility, Adsurf, WetWheels South West, iSight Cornwall, Coastal Crusaders, NeuroHappiness CIC, Drama Express, Shallal Dance Theatre, Spokz People, Kernow Youth CIC, Beat4Autism, The Hugs Foundation, Be Creative Cornwall, The Farming Mother CIC, Equally Abled, The Roseland Centre, and more!

Funding available

The Clare Milne Trust supports charitable organisations working to improve the lives of disabled people throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

If your organisation delivers projectsA piece of work that delivers an output. or services that increase opportunities, promote independence or enhance the wellbeing of people living with disabilities, we encourage you to apply.

Whether you’re providing inclusive activities, specialist support or helping people overcome barriers to participation, the Clare Milne FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. could help you expand your impact and reach more people who need your support.

Find out more about the Clare Milne Fund and how to apply here:
https://cornwallcommunityfoundation.com/grants/clare-milne/

Together, we can continue to build a Cornwall and Isles of Scilly where disabled people are supported, valued and empowered to live fulfilling lives.