Alzheimer’s Society
Longitude Prize on Dementia
The Longitude Prize on Dementia, run by Alzheimer’s Society in partnership with Challenge Works and Innovate UK, is a £4.7 million global challenge aiming to create life-changing technologies that help people with dementia live independently for longer. In 2024/25, five international finalists trialled innovations including AI glasses that recognise everyday objects and wearable devices that detect and prevent falls. The £1m prize will be awarded to the winner in 2026.
The CareTech Foundation’s long-term partnership has connected innovators with testing opportunities across CareTech’s care settings and helping raise the prize’s profile globally.
Autistica
Social Care Action Fund
Autistica’s Social Care Action Fund works to shape a more inclusive approach to research into autism and social care.
The programme funded five high-quality studies exploring health, wellbeing and quality of life for autistic people with learning disabilities—covering areas from day services to social prescribing, training for social workers, and addiction. In 2024/25, findings led to two major new research applications, including to the NIHR for an evaluation of a digital tool co-designed through the project. The initiative has also informed Autistica’s long-term 2030 Goals, expanding its focus on employment and mental health.
Those Living in Care: Increased support for those with health difficulties
This year, CareTech Foundation worked with 5 Partnerships that support disabled people and those with long-term health difficulties.
Here are four examples:
Motivation
Personalised Care, Wheelchair Services
Motivation’s two-year project in Kenya set out to empower people with mobility disabilities to live independently by strengthening wheelchair provision and rehabilitation services. Working with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and AIC Kajiado Child Care Centre, the team trained students, community health promoters and peer mentors to build sustainable skills and embed the WHO Wheelchair Service model. By early 2025, 679 people had been fitted with appropriate wheelchairs, with 167 receiving follow-up home visits that improved mobility, hygiene, pressure care and confidence. Support from the CareTech Foundation, including an additional grant and volunteer expertise on Motivation’s Business Development Board, has helped strengthen organisational capacity and visibility. The project’s model is now being shared nationally to influence future rehabilitation policy and practice.
British Asian Trust
Mental Health and Wellbeing for All
Through its partnership with the CareTech Foundation, the British Asian Trust increasing access to mental health care in Pakistan. Working with Taskeen, Sehat Kahani and the Global Institute of Human Development, the programme integrates psychological support into primary health services, trains frontline health professionals and aims to influence national systems. The project has trained 133 frontline workers, embedding WHO-endorsed low-intensity therapies into community clinics. In 2025 alone, 45,000 people were screened for mental health issues, 472 people have accessed mental health support via a campaign helpline. Over 95,000 people have been reached with mental health content via a range of channels.
CareTech Foundation’s support enabled a nine-month extension, expanding services to more districts and supporting national standards for quality mental health care.
Sense International
Screening and Early Intervention for Children with Deafblindness
Sense International’s three-year project has improved early childhood care for children with deafblindness in Temeke, Tanzania. The programme trained 76 health workers to deliver sensory screening and early intervention, equipping 24 health facilities and one hospital with specialist tools. More than 86,000 children were screened, with 383 receiving ongoing therapy and 354 parents trained to support development at home.
CareTech’s funding enabled Sense to leverage match investment and test its model in Tanzania for the first time, creating four early intervention units now sustained by local health budgets. Government partners have endorsed a national scale-up plan, and data from the project is shaping future policy.
Whizz Kidz
Kidz Max Days
Over three years, the CareTech Foundation has supported Whizz Kidz to deliver 14 Kidz Max Days across England, Scotland and Wales — inclusive activity days bringing together young wheelchair users and their families. These events offered a wide range of activities – from kayaking and wheelchair quidditch to rock climbing and adaptive cycling, helping young people to build confidence and have fun. In 2024 alone, 113 young wheelchair users and 193 parents took part, with 99% saying they would recommend the experience. The partnership also enabled Whizz Kidz to reach new families, many engaging with its services for the first time.
CareTech’s involvement went beyond funding, with staff attending events and co-producing materials — helping create a vibrant, national programme that strengthened inclusion and wellbeing for hundreds of families..