Kitchen Partnership Proves a Recipe for Success

Trade kitchen supplier Howdens and the Leonard Cheshire charity are celebrating a 20-year partnership supporting disabled people across the UK.

Since 2005, Howdens has donated 206 kitchens to Leonard Cheshire, providing essential support for disabled people to live more independently.

The donations, valued at more than £1.19 million, have been vital for Leonard Cheshire’s residential services, enabling the upgrade and refurbishment of kitchen spaces to better suit the needs of the people they support.

The relationship is Leonard Cheshire’s longest-standing corporate partnership and one of its most impactful. Howdens kitchen designers also gain valuable insights into accessible kitchen design, helping the company to shape more inclusive spaces as part of the collaboration.

As part of their ongoing commitment, Howdens has approved Leonard Cheshire’s 2025/26 pipeline of projects, with them aiming to complete more than 20 new kitchens this year across the UK.

These improvements will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of disabled residents who rely on well-equipped, accessible kitchen spaces every day.

“Over the past 20 years, Howdens have made a significant contribution to Leonard Cheshire’s cause, one which has helped us achieve our mission of supporting disabled people to live more independently,” said Ruth Owen, CEO of Leonard Cheshire.

“From Howdens’ first kitchen donation to a Leonard Cheshire service, to now, two decades and more than 200 kitchens later, they have been steadfast in their support of our work and belief that the world can be more accessible and inclusive for disabled people.”

Alongside the donation of kitchens, Howdens has historically backed a wide range of Leonard Cheshire programmes and initiatives, and Howdens staff also continue to be active in fundraising for Leonard Cheshire, raising thousands each year taking part in events like the Great North Run.

To find out more about Leonard Cheshire visit https://www.leonardcheshire.org/