Disability charity to close after 90 years

Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for Disabled People's Care and Rehabilitation Centre

A charity supporting people with disabilities, which was opened by the Queen Mother (then Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York), has announced it will close after more than 90 years.

The Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for Disabled People (QEF), in Leatherhead, was founded in 1934 by Dame Georgiana Buller and Stanley Evans, and supports nearly 10,000 people a year.

The charity said in a statement: "It is with immense sadness and regret we inform you that QEF will commence a wind down programme from 11 November.

"We have worked tirelessly over the last year to try and save the charity and improve its finances.

"Unfortunately there wasn't a viable solution that met all the necessary requirements to overcome the challenging financial situation QEF faced."

The charity added the wind-down programme was expected to take 28 days to allow time for alternative placements to be located for residential clients at its Care and Rehabilitation Centre.

Following this, the charity said QEF intended to file for administration.

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

'Cornerstone of our community'

Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell, said she was "deeply saddened" over the closure of QEF.

"QEF has been a cornerstone of our community in Leatherhead, offering wonderful care that has seen thousands of people rebuild their independence," she said.

"I saw first-hand the incredible work of their staff when I visited earlier this year, and my thoughts right now are with them and their clients during what will likely be a very difficult time."

Maguire added she was in contact with the charity to "seek urgent clarity on the implications of the closure".