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Website Statement

It is with immense sadness and regret that we inform you that Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) will commence a wind down programme from 11th November 2025.  

This process is expected to take 28 days to allow time for alternative placements to be found for residential clients at our Care and Rehabilitation Centre, and to honour commitments to other clients to the best extent possible.  

At the end of this period, QEF intends to file for administration.   

We have worked tirelessly over the last year to try and save the charity, exploring numerous options to improve its finances, but unfortunately there wasn’t a viable solution that met all the necessary requirements to overcome the challenging financial situation QEF faced. 

It has been our privilege to support disabled people for over 90 years, providing expert services that have changed many lives, and we are deeply saddened that it cannot continue. 

Our priorities right now are to work with funding bodies to ensure clients find suitable alternative placements and to support our remarkable staff during this difficult time.

QEF's 90th anniversary

Celebrating 90 years of enabling potential for disabled people
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In 2025 we are celebrating our 90th anniversary, marking nearly a century of dedication to enhancing the lives of disabled people.

Founded by Dame Georgiana Buller and Stanley Evans, the vocational training college was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother (then Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York), on June 27, 1935, who later became Patron of the charity.  

Today QEF provides a unique combination of services for disabled children and adults with life-long or acquired disabilities, that are tailored to each person’s requirements. We offer practical support and information, expert therapy and care.   

Our holistic services have life changing impacts on people’s lives. Working closely with the NHS, the Department for Transport and Adult Social Services, today QEF supports almost 10,000 disabled people a year 

A Legacy of Support and Innovation 

For 90 years QEF have been at the forefront of innovative and person-centred services that enable disabled people to achieve their potential and live with greater independence: 

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More information on QEF’s history is available here.

Looking Ahead

Karen Deacon, QEF’s Chief Executive:
“As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to our mission of delivering expert services that enable disabled people of all ages to achieve their potential, so they can be as independent as possible.  

Our future initiatives will continue to focus on innovation, inclusivity, and service delivery. We are grateful to all our current and future partners, supporters, donors, and volunteers whose generosity and dedication make our work possible.” 

Join Team90

There are lots of new and different ways you can support QEF in our 90th anniversary year.  Join Team90 and help us continue to expand our services and develop innovative ideas so more disabled people can live as independently as possible.

Life-changing services

Our expert services support almost 10,000 disabled people a year, enabling people to live their lives as independently as possible. Here are just a few examples:

  • Dave’s journey of trainee to employee – After treatment for a brain tumour whilst in the forces, Dave came to QEF’s vocational college to re-learn skills for employment.
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  • Andrew’s Journey: After having a stroke and a stay in hospital, Andrew came to QEF’s Care and Rehabilitation Centre. Through multi-disciplinary therapy, including Neurological Music therapy, he regained his ability to walk and communicate, allowing him to return to his life with renewed confidence.
    Andrew has his glasses on his head and he is sitting in a wheelchair outside the CRC, with one leg balanced on a bench in front of him.
  • Maisy May’s Mobility: Maisy May received a Bugzi, a mini powered chair from MERU. Bugzi has enabled her to move where she wants to, participate in school activities and enjoy playing with her friends.
    Little girl in a powered wheelchair at Christmas
  • Noah’s Independence: Noah came to QEF’s Mobility Service to learn to drive after a brain injury and multiple strokes. He is making full use of QEF’s private track to hone his skills before venturing onto the road with his instructor. QEF are instrumental in supporting his dreams of training for the paralympics.Lars Image 2 2

Join Team90

There are lots of new and different ways you can support QEF in our 90th anniversary year.

Join Team90 and help us continue to expand our services and develop innovative ideas so more disabled people can live as independently as possible.

More information on QEF’s history is available here