Huntington's Disease Association awarded Nationwide grant to support HD Youth Voice Residential

The Huntington's Disease Association is delighted to announce it has been awarded a £5,000 grant through the Nationwide Colleague Grants programme to fund its HD Youth Voice Residential in February 2027.

The grant will enable young people affected by Huntington's disease from across England and Wales to come together for a unique three-day residential experience at an Adventure Centre in Derbyshire.

The residential is organised through the charity's HD Youth Engagement Service (HDYES), which supports children and young people aged 8 to 25 who are affected by Huntington's disease.

Huntington's disease is a rare, hereditary neurodegenerative condition. Young people growing up in families affected by the disease can face significant challenges, including caring responsibilities, grief and loss, concerns about their own future health, and social isolation.

The HD Youth Voice Residential provides a safe space where young people can connect with others who understand their experiences, build lasting friendships and gain confidence through adventure activities, creative workshops, training opportunities and team challenges.

The annual residential also plays a vital role in shaping the future of its youth work. During the event, HD Youth Voice members come together to develop ideas and projects that are later delivered through the charity's Youth Engagement Service. Over the past three years, this approach has helped the service support more than 300 children and young people.

Projects developed through HD Youth Voice include the HD Passport, a resource that helps young people explain their circumstances to teachers and professionals; the award-nominated You Are Not Alone film; wellbeing resources and support boxes; podcasts; and a range of digital content designed to help children and young people feel informed, supported and connected.

Ava aged 17 who has previously attended the camp said,

“When you go to camp it's just like one big family like you've all known each other for ages and you just make lots of new friends. You're all going through the same thing, so it's just really helped in the best way. I am already looking forward to next year's camp.”

Thanks to Nationwide's support, the 2027 residential will bring together 15 members of HD Youth Voice from communities across England and Wales, ensuring they can continue developing projects that improve the lives of other children and young people affected by Huntington's disease.

Rachel Walton, Assistant Product Manager at Nationwide said, 

Huntington’s disease is deeply personal to me because it has affected my immediate family. That experience has shown me just how much opportunities like the residential camp can help young people and their families. It’s so important that they can access this kind of support and get a break from their caring responsibilities, and funding plays a huge part in making that possible. It’s been a pleasure working with the charity, and I’m excited to see the new projects HD Youth Voice creates as it continues to build on its impressive achievements.

Cath Stanley BEM, Chief Executive Huntington’s Disease Association said,

"Thank you to Nationwide for awarding this grant. The HD Youth Voice residential weekend is one of the highlights of the year, giving young people the chance to meet, make friends and realise they are not alone. We are grateful for Nationwide's support in making this important event possible.

The Huntington's Disease Association would like to thank Nationwide for recognising the importance of supporting young people affected by Huntington's disease and helping to create opportunities for them to connect, learn and thrive.