For over 115 years, CBM has been transforming lives around the world. We work with local partners, making sure people with disabilities in some of the world’s poorest communities have access to healthcare, education and a future where they can thrive.
What We Do
Our vision is an inclusive world in which all people with disabilities enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential.
We improve access to essential services, including education, healthcare and opportunities to earn a living. And when a disaster strikes, we’re there providing emergency relief and supporting people with disabilities and communities to recover and rebuild.
We are fighting to end the cycle of poverty and disability. Will you join us?
Our History
CBM was founded in 1908 by German pastor, Ernst Christoffel. When Ernst travelled through Turkey, one particular group of people grabbed his heart: children who couldn’t see, who couldn’t walk, who couldn’t hear.
With the support of friends, Pastor Christoffel set up a home in Malatia, Turkey, providing care and education for people who are blind and children with disabilities.
Over the following century, our work has expanded to Africa and Asia where we’re striving for justice for all people with disabilities.
Today, rooted in Christian values, we believe every person with disability – no matter where they live in the world – should have access to healthcare, education and the opportunity to earn a living.
Find out more about our work
We work in some of the world’s poorest places to transform lives and build a more inclusive world for everyone, everywhere.
Saving sight
Preventing blindness and restoring sight to people who are living needlessly blind.
Healthcare
Improving access to healthcare for people with disabilities and preventing and treating conditions that can lead to disability.
Mental health
Enabling people with mental health conditions to access the treatment and support they need.
Education
Challenging barriers that keep children with disabilities out of school and making sure they can access an education and a brighter future.
Economic Empowerment
Supporting people with disabilities and their families with the skills, training and equipment to secure a future where they can thrive.
Disasters and Emergencies
Ensuring people with disabilities are not excluded in times of crisis and climate induced disasters and supporting communities to rebuild for the future.
Inclusion and Rights
Making sure people with disabilities have equal rights and are included, respected, and given the chance to reach their full potential.
Neglected Tropical Diseases
Working to eliminate, prevent and treat Neglected Tropical Diseases in areas where they are identified as a public health problem.
Where we work
CBM works alongside people with disabilities in some of the world’s poorest places, bringing change where it is needed most. Together with fantastic local partners, and as part of a global federation, we are working in 26 countries to break the cycle of poverty and disability.
How we work
CBM combines impactful programmes with tailored advisory work and bold advocacy, working with the Disability Movement and key allies to drive local and national change.
Our programmes make a life-changing difference, empowering individuals and strengthening communities. Insights from our work guide our advocacy efforts, addressing systemic discrimination and supporting the voice of people with disabilities to drive change.
Our Values
Champion Inclusion
We challenge discrimination and embrace diversity. We work with people of all faiths and none and we strive to build a just and equitable world in which all people are included, loved, valued and respected.
Strive for Justice
We challenge injustice and equip others to exercise their rights. We serve with compassion those in greatest need, regardless of race, gender, age or religious belief.
Pursue Excellence
We creatively innovate and pursue continual improvement so that we can maximise our impact and bring about tangible change in the lives of those others leave behind.
Embrace Partnership
We can achieve more when we work with others. We learn together with our partners, communicate respectfully and honestly, and we value everyone’s unique contribution.
Live with Integrity
We live responsibly and with honesty.
More about us
Our people
Meet our leadership team, board of trustees and find out more about our celebrity supporters.
Where your money goes
Our work wouldn’t be possible without our generous supporters. Download our latest Impact Report to see how your money is spent.
Work with us
Join our committed team and help us create a better world for people with disabilities living in some of the world’s poorest places.
Partner with us
We partner with individuals, companies, institutions, trusts and foundations – because together we can do more.
Fundraise for us
Join our team of incredible fundraisers all over the UK and have fun while changing lives.
Advocacy and Evidence
Discover more about our approach, learning, and the impact of our advocacy work for people with disabilities.