Above image: King’s Trust supported young person using laptop.
The King’s Trust has received a donation from neuroinclusive technology company Everway, marking 30 years since founder, Martin McKay, received support from the charity to start his business.
McKay joined The King’s Trust in 1995 through the Enterprise programme, receiving early support that helped him start his entrepreneurial journey. He went on to create Everway, now a global leader in neuroinclusive technology. Its tools have been used by more than 250 million people across 150 countries, empowering people with cognitive differences to thrive in education, work and life.
McKay said, “Thirty years ago, The King’s Trust believed in my vision: that technology could make the world more accessible and equitable. My Dad had a stroke when I was young and that made me want to do something to help people with disabilities. I began by making software for people with Motor Neurone Disease and Cerebral Palsy which then led to making software for people with communication problems and dyslexia.”
“I took part in the King’s Trust Enterprise programme which provided me with useful training. They also put me in touch with a mentor, a retired businessman who met with me every week for a year. He asked lots of challenging questions that made me re-evaluate my plans and put me in touch with a network of people. I also received a grant which I used to buy a computer and software. After all, to start a computer business you really need a computer. I don’t know what path I would have taken without their support.”
To show his gratitude and to support the next generation, McKay has gifted The King’s Trust with Everway’s flagship product, Read&Write for Work. It’s a collection of reading, writing, research, focus and collaboration tools that empower users to work, think and learn to their full potential.
“I’m deeply grateful to the Trust for enabling our journey at Everway. We’ve been able to make a huge impact on the lives of so many, and we’re ready to help millions more. The digital tools within Read&Write adapt to unique learning needs and working styles, helping our users to learn, work, and communicate with confidence. By gifting this software to the Trust we’re able to give back and simultaneously support the next generation as they shape their own career paths.”
Julia Beaumont, Chief Technology Officer and Programmes Officer at The King’s Trust said, “The launch of this tool for colleagues is a great step towards making The Trust a more inclusive workplace, helping us to better support our people to thrive in their roles.
“I’m also excited to be able to support our young people with digital tools that build confidence and unlock talent, which is what we strive for as we empower them to succeed. I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone for making it happen, including the generosity of Everway as a Trust-supported business.”
McKay also mentors young people at The King’s Trust, offering the same guidance he once received in 1995.
“I really appreciated the help and support. Just knowing someone was willing to take a risk and support me boosted my confidence. It’s great to be able to pay it forward in advising tomorrow’s leading entrepreneurs.”
About The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust)
The King’s Trust believes that every young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter what their background or the challenges they are facing. We help those from disadvantaged communities and those facing the greatest adversity by supporting them to build the confidence and skills to live, learn and earn.
The courses offered by The Trust help young people aged 11-30 to develop essential life skills, get ready for work and access job opportunities. We support them to find work because having a job or running a business can lead to a more stable, fulfilling life.
Since The Trust was founded by HM The King in 1976, when he was HRH The Prince of Wales, we have helped more than a million young people across the UK. Three in four of those we supported over the last five years have moved into work, education or training.
We are pleased to have changed our name to The King’s Trust, reflecting our Royal Founding President’s continued dedication to our work. We remain committed to working for young people and enabling them to create a better future for themselves. By helping them today, the benefits will be felt for years to come – not just for those we support, but for their communities and the wider economy.
About Everway
At Everway (formerly Texthelp), we believe that understanding and being understood are vital for us all. That’s why we create technology that empowers everyone to learn, work and live in ways that suit them best. Our solutions help organisations to create neuroinclusive workplaces, allowing employees to excel and communicate more effectively. They’re necessary for some, beneficial for all.
By understanding and addressing the unique needs of each individual, we're creating a world where differences are recognised and valued. A world where everyone can thrive.
Our tools have helped over 250 million people worldwide, and we’re ready to help millions more.
Media contact
Lauren Mowbray
Communications Manager
Everway (formerly Texthelp and n2y)
l.mowbray@everway.com