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]

This summer, the teams at MAKE Art and Community revamped the Top Tots Nursery garden at the John Pounds Centre, creating a more inviting space for children to learn and grow. With garden time a key part of their routine, the little ones can now enjoy biking, planting, and exploring nature.

Top Tots requested a redesign to enhance learning, and our community group jumped right in. Emma Lennox led the team to clear overgrown areas while our Art group brought the wooden features to life with a fresh coat of paint. A local men's group, Men Shed, has also worked closely with us to create a new, more effective mud kitchen, which the nursery is ecstatic about and can't wait to use.

Suzie Forsyth, Area Manager of Top Tots Nursery, said, "The team has made amazing improvements and worked hard! We look forward to the final project and appreciate all your support!"

Thanks to strong teamwork and the community pulling together, the garden is becoming a vibrant environment for children to thrive. When asked how it felt to participate, Mark, who MAKE supports, said, "It's good fun working as a team. It makes me happy and feel good."

Special thanks to Film Crew 4u for documenting our journey. The Portsmouth-based video production company has been raising awareness of community-based projects. We're really grateful for their support.

Follow us on Instagram (@makealdingbourne) and Facebook (MAKE at Aldingbourne Enterprise) to see more of our journey and the garden's transformation. 

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

We were thrilled to welcome couples to our first-ever Wedding Fayre at the Aldingbourne Country Centre. Our stunning venue on the edge of the South Downs offers the perfect backdrop, but together with a fantastic selection of local suppliers, we got to help inspire couples in planning their big day.

There were plenty of options, from talented photographers and cake makers to bridal boutiques and honeymoon planners. Custom suits to stylish wedding cars and even learning a special dance for their first moment on the floor as newlyweds. 

Lyn from Crafty Cakes said, "It was a great experience. All the staff were friendly, the couples were lovely, and it was great seeing a range of fab suppliers."

Couples explored the myriad ways they could personalise their wedding. And for those looking for a more traditional twist, there was even the option to hire a maypole!

Aldingbourne's Conference Sales Co-ordinator Kate Kerley shared, "It was such a wonderful afternoon with a great atmosphere. I enjoyed meeting and working alongside all of our amazing exhibitors, as well as greeting all the lovely brides-to-be and newly engaged couples. Thank you to everyone for the support with this event."

Planning your wedding? We’re excited to offer a unique venue for wedding receptions and celebrant-led ceremonies. To find out more or to enquire about how we can help you celebrate your special day, click here: www.aldingbournetrust.org/weddings.html

A big thank you to everyone who joined us. We can't wait to help more couples create unforgettable memories at Aldingbourne Country Centre.

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

Aldingbourne Country Centre has received £600 from Tesco's Stronger Starts scheme to purchase new pond dipping equipment. This will be used for wildlife and nature workshops, designed to inspire all their visitors to care for the world they live in and to develop a far greater connection to nature.​

The Trust unearthed itself 46 years ago to tackle post-education opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism. It's still one of their largest projects, offering day services, training, and employment to the people they support and also an award-winning visitor attraction site.

Visitor & Enterprise Operations Manager Karen Tyrrell said, "We are extremely grateful to receive this grant, as it will enable us to expand our innovative, stimulating, immersive, and inclusive education programme for a wide range of groups, including nursery schools, schools, home educators, youth groups, and community organisations."

To boost funds for extra food and activity equipment, Tesco is introducing a £5m grant programme, in partnership with Groundwork UK, to give children across the UK a stronger start in life. The grants will help schools and children's groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people's physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, and equipment for healthy activities.

Tesco's Stronger Starts – previously Tesco Bags of Help and Tesco Community Grants - has already provided over £110 million to more than 60,000 projects across Britain. 

Claire de Silva, Tesco UK Head of Communities and Local Media, said: "Helping schools and children's groups access the food and resources they need is vitally important in getting children a stronger start in life. Children with enough food have more energy, better concentration, and ultimately achieve more too."

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork's UK Chief Executive, said: "As a community charity, we have seen first-hand how schools and other groups supporting young people have been playing a much bigger role in ensuring children are getting a healthy start to the day and getting access to spaces and services to support physical activity and mental health. Family budgets are tight and school budgets are tight, but it's so important that children stay fed, fit and focused, so we're delighted to be able to prioritise these activities alongside Tesco with the Stronger Starts programme."

Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. To find out more, visit tescoplc.com/strongerstarts
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For any media inquiries, please contact Lizzie Senn at [email protected]

In response to rising concerns about suicide rates, Portsmouth hosted the annual Let's Get Talking About Suicide event on September 7th. The event, part of the city's efforts to support the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health and provide direct support to individuals in need.

Back for its second year, the event featured a variety of tents offering creative therapy, physical activities, and mental well-being sessions. It also provided crucial information on suicide prevention, mental health services, and support networks, helping people and their families connect with the resources they might not otherwise have known existed. 

Working with the Portsmouth City Council and Victoria Park, we were really fortunate to hold this event in such a public space. The community-centered location made it accessible for everyone. A passerby told us, "I was just walking through the park, heard the music and saw the activities and thought I'd pop in to see what it was all about. I'm glad I did, as I have learnt so much more about what Portsmouth services have to offer."

1 in 5 people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime. Despite this, only 45% feel comfortable talking about it. Together, we can change that, and we already are. One person shared, "I attended last year's event and was in a bad place. The support I received from one of the participating services has helped me immensely, so I wanted to return this year to let them know how well I was doing." 

Sometimes, all it takes is showing up and finding that one person, service, or resource that can make a real difference. Thanks to the support from Ripple, HSBC UK, The Ollie Foundation, and many more, we were able to bring together dozens of local organisations who were ready to listen. That's the true impact of events like this—raising awareness is important, but helping people feel seen and supported can save lives. And not just for those feeling suicidal, but their loved ones too.
We would like to thank everyone who joined us on the day. Whether you shared your story, listened, or simply came to show your support. Let's keep talking about suicide.

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are organisations ready to listen and help. You can reach out to:

• Samaritans – Call 116 123, available 24/7
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463
• Shout – Text 'SHOUT' to 85258 for free, confidential support via text

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

This past weekend (7th of September) marked the return of 'Let's Get Talking About Suicide' for its second year. Leading up to this occasion, organiser and MAKE manager Sarah Mitas undertook the impressive challenge of walking 100km in just 30 days to raise awareness and funds for the event. 

Sarah grew up in the countryside and recalls long, sun-filled walks, snowball fights, and boat trips down the canal with her father as a child. "I was always a daddy's girl and jumped at any opportunity to spend time with him, whether that was getting up early to see him off to work or sneaking to the pub with him, whether he liked it or not!"

But at 13 years old, Sarah's world was turned upside down. "I was picked up from school at lunchtime and told the tragic news that my father had taken his own life. My world as I had known it ended in that conversation. In the months to come, we moved away from Odiham to Portsmouth. My dad became a memory, and not one that was talked about. I was surrounded by people who had never known his kind, gentle nature, and the man I missed."

Sarah wanted to ensure that nobody felt that alone again. And so, the seeds for the 'Let's Get Talking About Suicide' event were planted. Still, it wasn't until last year that, with the support of Aldingbourne Trust, the event finally became a reality.

Preparations went a little differently this year as Sarah took on a mighty challenge: walking 100km in 30 days during the Euros. 

"The walk was brilliant and something I'll carry on," Sarah explains. "It improved my mood and gave me time to free my mind to cope with my own daily challenges. Time was an issue though - days fill up, and trying to walk 100km in 30 days is a challenge after all!"

Even when her husband Mat faced setbacks, Sarah stayed committed. "He got blisters, so we had to make up a bit of time for his feet to recover."

When asked how Mat reacted to the challenge, Sarah laughs: "He laughed and said, 'Let's do this!' Mat is the most supportive person and knows how much suicide prevention means to me. I've suffered my own mental ill health throughout the years, and he recognises the signs. He's a guiding light in some of the darkest places my mind has visited."

The event itself was a festival of life, offering free well-being activities like yoga, storytelling, fitness, and creative workshops. A moving addition this year was the launch of the "Speak Their Name" Quilt, dedicated to those lost to suicide, alongside a memorial tent where people could pay their respects.

Looking ahead, Sarah's hopes for the event are simple but powerful: "I'm hoping in the future the festival will become one of living life. In an ideal world, suicide will not be present. Lives matter, and people enjoying their time on this planet matter. A zero-suicide society is my mission. I want everyone to feel valued and loved, to know their worth, and to realise just how much they shine."

Sarah knows that everyone's experience with loss is different, but she shares her own thoughts for others who've lost loved ones to suicide: "I want people to realise there is no shame in losing someone to suicide. Their lives deserve to be celebrated - they lived, they loved, and they weren't just a statistic. My dad was not a number. He was a son, husband, brother, friend, and a beautiful human who didn't see his own worth."

"I'd like to thank my husband Mat for his constant support and for his constant learning in a subject he finds alien. My children, who talk about the granddad they never met, remind me daily what my worth to them is. Michelle McKinley Bell, Sue Livett, and the Trust for giving me the opportunity to support the community and to honour my dad's memory. And to my team and the services that attended last year for their support."

The 'Let's Get Talking About Suicide' event brought together a diverse range of people, activities, and stories, all focused on breaking the silence around mental health. We'll share more about the day in an upcoming blog, so stay tuned! For now, you can visit our website to find out more about the magic of MAKE: https://www.aldingbournetrust.org/make 


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

Community is at the heart of what we do, so we're excited to share our latest volunteering project at Bognor Library Community Garden! Led by our passionate Volunteer Coordinator, Tracy, a team of volunteers has been meeting every Thursday morning to breathe new life into this neglected space.

The Bognor Library Community Garden was originally funded by a generous £10,000 donation from Southern Water in 2018. From then on, it was created to promote social cohesion through the joys of gardening. Although it wasn't until 2019 that the garden was officially opened and maintained for several years, last year saw it left unattended. Now, thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and a generous £200 donation from Covers in Bognor—a local builders merchant—we're transforming this underused space so everyone can enjoy it.

Tracy provides regular updates and photos across the Trust, and the comments are always filled with praise for the team's outstanding work. Gemma Baldwin, Head of People & Development, said, "The garden is looking fantastic! Thank you, Tracy, to you and your team of volunteers – you've done an amazing job."

The garden will also serve as a gathering place for many within our network, such as MyNetwork, MyNetwork Plus, and other events. But we aim to make it a welcoming haven for everyone in the community. 

Make sure to follow our Facebook (@aldingbourneTrustUK) and Instagram (@aldingbournetrust) pages to catch the latest on this! 

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

On the 13th of July, Gig Buddies completed their summer fundraising walk by strolling all the way around Portsea Island. 

In preparation for this challenge, they've been walking in various postcodes of Portsmouth each month. Luckily, when the day came to, they were blessed with perfect weather—mild temperatures and some cloud cover—making the 15-mile journey a very comfortable and enjoyable one.

Participants approached the walk with varying levels of preparation. Alan, a regular walker, took a few long walks before the event. Blossom, who had never walked 15 miles, was surprised by her own endurance. While Dave, with minimal preparation, felt very accomplished at his age! 

There was lots to enjoy along the way, as Portsmouth is not short of breathtaking views along the southern coastline. Some got to explore parts of the area they had never seen before. Despite Lynda's familiarity with the city as a District Nurse, she was amazed by the new places she discovered.

Luckily, there were no complications on the day. Their biggest challenge, in fact, was encouraging those who were unaccustomed to such a long distance. Organiser Mike Harris shared, "For the walk itself, the challenge was in the timing of stages to ensure whoever we were meeting for sections were met on time."

The end of the walk was a moment of triumph, and in particular, two walkers who walked every mile throughout the year were rewarded with Gig Buddies hoodies as a token of their dedication. Mike shared, "The sense of achievement people felt after completing the walk and the fact that not many had ever covered 15 miles in one go before was incredibly rewarding."

When asked about their favourite part of the day, Morna shared, "Chatting to people was lovely and seeing people being so proud of their achievements was great."

Please consider donating if you feel inspired and wish to contribute to their fundraiser. They are raising funds for future events and helping to subsidise some hoodies for the winter. Donate here: https://www.aldingbournetrust.org/store/p261/Gig-Buddies-Walk-Portsmouth.html

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