An international development charity has closed its UK operation in response to “intense economic challenges” and as part of a move to decentralise.
Motivation, which has worked with partners to support people with mobility disabilities for over 30 years, said last week that financial pressures had hastened its strategic shift to regional leadership in Africa and India.
The Bristol-based charity said the pressures it faced last year meant it has had to move more quickly with its work “to shift wholly to our offices in India and Africa and close our UK office”.
“Since 2020, Motivation has been working to deliver this impact via independent organisations in Africa and India,” it said.
“The need to respond rapidly to intense economic challenges has accelerated this transition, leading to the closure of its UK operation in December 2025.
“This work to adapt and meet the challenges of a particularly difficult year for charities globally was marked by sharp declines in international aid and weakening commitments to disability inclusion – impacting disabled people and their families most.”
Accounts for 2024 show that Motivation employed 43 employees across five offices, with 19 in the UK, 11 in India, seven in Kenya and three each in Malawi and Uganda.
Chief executive Amanda Wilkinson said: “We know the speed of our UK closure will be unexpected for our friends, partners, and supporters, and we ask that they continue to champion disability inclusion through our brilliant teams at Motivation Africa and Motivation India.
“We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to Motivation’s first 30 years and helped create an organisation that has profoundly impacted millions of lives.
“That legacy will continue closest to the communities that inspired our mission.”
