Social care providers across Sussex, particularly those supporting individuals with learning disabilities, face mounting financial pressures that threaten the sustainability of essential services. Key challenges include: 

National Insurance Increase

• A 1.2% rise in employer contributions and a reduced threshold to £5,000 have significantly impacted payroll costs in a sector heavily reliant on low-wage, part-time staff. 
  

National Living Wage (NLW) Increase

• A 6.7% rise in the NLW, while beneficial to workers, has placed additional pressure on budgets. 
• Many organisations strive to pay the Real Living Wage, which has increased by 60p per hour, exacerbating financial strain. 
  

Contract and Provider Viability

• Multi-year contracts without annual inflationary adjustments are putting services at risk. 

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These issues have caused staffing costs to rise dramatically, alongside inflationary pressures on utilities and supplies. 

On Wednesday, 29th January, County Councillors will meet to discuss finances, and we need to make sure they understand the importance of properly funding social care.
 
We are calling on everyone to join us outside County Hall in Chichester to stand together and show the councillors just how much social care means to us. Arrive at 9:30 AM for a 9:45 AM start and help us send a clear and powerful message: social care changes lives, and it needs urgent investment to survive.

Social care impacts 1 in 3 of us—it's not just a service; it's a lifeline. Families, communities, and individuals rely on social care to live well, stay independent, and thrive. Yet, it is in crisis, and without urgent investment, the support that so many depend on could disappear.​

So, bring your placards and your fiery passion. Together, we can amplify our voices and let the councillors know that social care cannot be ignored.

Some placard ideas:

• Social care touches 1 in 3 of us
• Social care = homes, jobs, living well
• Social care supports families
• Social care for you/me/people we love
• Social care changes lives
• Lack of social care costs us all more
• Invest in social care
• Social care in crisis

Now is the time to act. It is as simple as that. Will you stand with us?

​Written by Lizzie Senn. ​For any media inquiries, please get in touch with [email protected]

We are delighted to share that the Aldingbourne Trust will be the featured charity partner for Scrap Car Comparison’s ‘Donate a Car’ scheme for the remainder of January. After learning about the devastating theft of over £20,000 worth of tools from our Aldingbourne Country Centre over Christmas, Scrap Car Comparison has stepped up to support us in a truly meaningful way.

Their generosity couldn’t have come at a better time. The funds raised through the ‘Donate a Car’ scheme will help us replace the stolen tools and ensure we can continue delivering the vital support, life-skills training, and real-world opportunities that so many adults with learning disabilities and autism rely on.

Scrap Car Comparison makes it easy for anyone to sell their car for scrap or salvage, taking care of everything from providing a quote to arranging free collection anywhere in the UK. Whether your vehicle has mechanical issues, accident damage, or an expired MOT, they’ll help you secure the best price – and now, you can also make a real difference by donating some or all of the profits to us at the Aldingbourne Trust.

It’s simple to get involved. All you need to do is contact Scrap Car Comparison on 03333 449950 or use their online quote generator. Their friendly team will guide you through every step, find the best price for your car, and give you the option to donate to our cause. Whether you’re based locally in West Sussex or further afield, this process is quick, easy, and impactful.

We are incredibly grateful to Scrap Car Comparison for choosing to support us during this difficult time. Their kindness reminds us of the power of community and the positive difference we can make together.

'Tis the season to give, not take! Sadly, this wasn’t the case for us at Aldingbourne Country Centre, as our wood workshop was targeted by thieves just days before Christmas. The theft was discovered on Christmas Eve by our Wood Manager, Brian, who had stopped by to finish some projects before the end of the year.

Thieves gained access to the workshop through a window, stealing a grand total of 30 high-value Hilti tools, including jigsaws, combihammers, and 12 battery packs. These tools, donated by Hilti as part of their charitable programme, were stamped with "Donated by Hilti GB" making them easily identifiable.
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Commercial & Retail Manager Jason shared, "The important analogy is that like the wood we collect—something written off or disposed of—it is transformed in our hands into something of value. The people we support are exactly the same. We give individuals who might otherwise be written off a sense of purpose and value."

This loss has had a significant impact on our plans to create and sell bespoke wood products. While the police investigation is ongoing (crime reference number: 47240250193), we’re doing everything we can to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again.

On Friday, November 22, three incredible members of Gig Buddies—Reece, Dave, and Darren—were recognised at the International Men's Day Awards hosted by the Dadz Club. The evening recognised over 50 local men for their outstanding contributions to the community. The celebration was held at The Forge, the newest venue acquired by The Parenting Network.

Gig Buddies Project Manager Mike Harris, who thoughtfully made the nominations, shared, "It is a real joy to follow and shine a light on some of the fantastic things that our people do to help improve people's life situations and feel as though they have a friend to call upon and share interests with."
 
Inspired by the stories of Reece, Dave, and Darren? You can get involved. We are always looking for more volunteers. Whether you'd like to make a difference in someone's life or are looking for a new way to connect with others, we'd love to hear from you. Find out more about Gig Buddies and how you can get involved here: https://www.aldingbournetrust.org/gigbuddiesportsmouth.html
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Written by Lizzie Senn. ​For any media inquiries, please get in touch with [email protected]