We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Greening Arundel! In early 2023, organisations in Arundel came together to establish Greening Arundel. Driven by a shared concern about the impact of climate change on their community, this network works together to make this market town cleaner and greener.

Three members of Greening Arundel and an Arundel Town Councillor recently got together at Aldingbourne Country Centre. We also had the privilege to draw in Brent Lodge, a wildlife hospital that cares for 3,000 wildlife patients a year, with whom we have had the pleasure of working in the past. Following the meeting, we took our special guests on a grand tour of our Country Centre. Everyone was impressed by the meaningful work carried out by the people we support here.

Support Worker Clare Seaby shared, "Greening Arundel have several projects that they would like us to help with. The people we support love working with this community group & are excited to be part of these positive changes for the future."

Once weather conditions improve, several plans are in motion as we think about what's next. These include assisting in maintaining the rewilded green spaces and encouraging biodiversity. We are also looking forward to a much bigger project involving the cleanup and planting of a sizable, neglected green space near Arundel Station. Watch this *green* space!

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

In a touching tribute, our social enterprise, MAKE in Portsmouth, held a small art exhibition on February 9th at Stephen Morgan MP's Southsea office. The event was dedicated to the late Roger Fowler, a cherished member of our MAKE team who passed away in September. 

MAKE manager Sarah Mitas shared, "The highlight of the evening was to share stories and artwork of Roger with his parents. He was an incredible artist and spent his younger years learning screen printing with his dad. He loved antiques and spent time in junk shops looking for items which he often drew."

The event celebrated the artistic talents of those we support at MAKE. Although not a fundraiser, the evening saw many pieces of art sold, raising an impressive £523. These funds will be directed towards the art department in Roger's memory, contributing to his legacy.

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

We're excited to share that WorkAid, our supported employment scheme, has been shortlisted for the British Diversity Awards 2024 in the Community Project of the Year category. The ceremony is scheduled for the 20th of March, 2024, at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, with hosts Dr Ranj Singh and Gillian Joseph.​

WorkAid focuses on connecting adults with learning disabilities and autism with fitting work placements. It provides skills training, job application assistance, and supported employer inductions. This personalised approach not only readies candidates for work but also supports employers. WorkAid strives to challenge workplace perceptions, aiming to boost confidence, independence, and self-esteem among those they support.

Rachel Benson, WorkAid Manager, highlights the program's impact: "Every journey towards work is as unique as the people we are supporting. Yes, we have contractual targets, but our work is so much more than numbers; it's about helping someone who hasn't felt able to leave their home in years take their first tentative steps. It's about enabling someone to overcome the hurdles of just getting to an interview, which others take for granted. It's about showing someone they are seen, cared about and worthy. You can't use a numerical value to tell each story of the 1010 people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have reached out to us for help since our current contract began in April 2020."

It is an honour to be among the Top 10 in Britain for the British Diversity Awards. Whatever happens on the night, this is tremendous recognition for our wonderful WorkAid team.
​
Written by Lizzie Williams. For any media inquiries, please get in touch with [email protected] ​

Aldingbourne Trust and Camerados have partnered to create a welcoming space at Creative Spaces. Camerados, focused on supporting social interaction, envisions Public Living Rooms where people can gather, share stories, and enjoy a cuppa without judgment.

Formerly known as the Creative Arts Studio at No.73 in Bognor, Creative Spaces aspires to be a true 'Community of Place and People'. Any day of the week, you'll find our artists immersed in creations that express themselves and acquire new skills in an accessible and friendly environment.

While art often goes beyond the spoken language, we value every chance to connect with those around us. Head of Enterprise & Development Michelle McKinley Bell shared, "Imagine a place where you feel safe, with like-minded people who don't try to judge you or fix each other, who listen and respect you. That's a Public Living Room. " 

Join us at Creative Spaces every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. without the pressure of expectations, leaders, or set agendas. You can also explore our MAKE project in Portsmouth, where you'll find another inviting Public Living Room. It's an opportunity to mingle with like-minded people, share stories, and enjoy a friendly atmosphere. A small donation for a cuppa or some biscuits is all that's asked – a nominal contribution for the connections that await.

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