PHIL PACKER
Phil Packer MBE (Mil.) - Founder and Non-Paid Chief Executive of The British Inspiration Trust
Personal Mission Statement
After sustaining my spinal cord injuries and coming to terms with living with life changing disabilities, I was shocked to learn of the vast numbers of young adults who were experiencing physical and psychological trauma in their lives. It was this that gave me the determination and strength to move forward with a purpose, vision, and long-term goal.
Following some of my early physical charity challenges, national media support and coverage, and numerous charity Ambassador or Patron roles, an unexpected platform presented itself where I had the opportunity to try and deliver positive influence in areas including inclusivity and wellbeing, reduce stigma around mental health challenges and disability, and work towards greater collaboration, within both the Charity and Education Sectors.
As charities, education institutions and establishments, and governing bodies, invited me to visit and learn more, my understanding and knowledge of the vast array of challenges faced by those living with disability and trauma, and the lack of inclusivity, grew – as did my passion and determination to deliver a positive impact.
Founding the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) was my way of turning personal experience into purposeful action: inclusivity has remained at the heart of the charity, as has volunteering and fostering relationships with experts and CEOs within the Charity and Health Sectors, leaders in the Education Sector and Sport Governing Bodies, and inspirational figures, throughout the UK. The vision of BRIT has always been to operate with low overheads, no paid staff, and grow with the support of volunteers.
My long-term goal, and that of the charity’s Board of Trustees, is for the charity to be steered, guided, and driven, by students and staff from colleges and universities throughout the UK. Furthermore, the BRIT Ambassador family is one that I believe can grow from strength to strength by securing funding for retired Paralympians to coordinate BRIT Ambassador networks of inspirational figures in every region of England, and in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – every Ambassador would be encouraged to champion the BRIT Challenge at a university or college of their choice and encourage student and staff participation.
Through BRIT, I aim to support the mental health, wellbeing, and resilience, of young adults, students, and staff, within educational institutions; particularly those navigating physical disabilities or psychological challenges. Championing fundraising for local, regional, and national charities, is an integral part of our work and sets us apart as a collaborative charity.
At the heart of BRIT is the belief in the power of collaboration. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or simple acts of kindness, we can all make a meaningful difference. Duty and volunteering have been consistent threads throughout my own journey. It fosters connection, offers purpose, and builds the foundations of compassionate communities.
The BRIT Challenge provide opportunities for students and staff to experience participation in inclusive wellbeing activities, fundraising and volunteering, and lived experience through Acts of Kindness in the community; all to reinforce the idea that collective action can lead to real, lasting change.
The focus on the Education Sector is both deliberate and vital. Schools, Colleges, and Universities are environments where young people form their identities, face many challenges, and often confront mental health and wellbeing issues for the first time. The BRIT Challenge is a UK-wide opportunity for institutions to embrace a framework of best practice that prioritises wellbeing, fosters inclusion, supports internal and external strategies, and provides the opportunity to increase civic duty and volunteering.
BRIT strives to encourage participation in the annual BRIT Challenge and use it to provide evidence for existing mental health and wellbeing strategies (including Engagement and Disability) and help students and staff at a time when institutions and staff are under increasing financial and staffing pressures, and students are dealing with many complex pressures and challenges. BRIT promotes volunteering not only as a way to give back, but as a powerful form of personal growth and community connection. Acts of Kindness, both big and small, play a crucial role in building a culture where people feel valued and understood.
Ultimately, BRIT is about uniting people and championing collaboration. Whether you're a student, teacher, athlete, charity, corporate sponsor, or simply someone who wants to make a difference – the charity’s vision is to bring them together to support the lives of those who are disadvantaged and in need. My journey continues to evolve, however the mission remains clear: to help shape a future where every young adult, student, and staff member, feels seen, supported, and inspired – and to remind us all that through shared purpose, we can build stronger, more compassionate and inclusive environments to live and learn in.
