This week, we went along to Local Offer Live with Dynamite and Gig Buddies, and what a brilliant day it turned out to be. This annual event brings together families, organisations and services from across Portsmouth to share what's available for people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

It's the third year Dynamite has been involved, and over time, these events have really helped grow their presence in the city. They've built great connections with teams like CAMHS, SENDIASS, and Portsmouth City Council's neurodiversity team. 

Vicky Hodson, one of the organisers from Portsmouth City Council, shared, "It's got a real buzz about it. Everyone here has the same purpose: to connect services, support families, and make sure people know what's out there."

Dynamite has since been able to link up with KIDS and will be co-leading a workshop in July about participation and co-production. It's part of a city-wide inclusive event focused on bringing people together to ensure young people with SEND feel included in local decision-making.

When asked how it feels to represent young people with SEND, Emma, a former Dynamites member turned volunteer, shared, "I feel very proud! It's nice to get out and speak up for people with learning disabilities." Dynamite's Coordinator Michelle added, "The change in Emma has been amazing. At the start, she didn't speak much, but now she's found her voice, and she's using it!"

Stephen says to anyone thinking about getting involved in a project like Gig Buddies or Dynamite, "Just do it! It's really useful and really fun. I finally have a voice, after not having one for so many years. It's nice to make a difference."

Many families attending shared that they had discovered services they hadn't come across before. Events like this can be a crucial starting point, especially for those who may feel isolated or unsure of where to turn.

We had a fantastic visit from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars yesterday, who popped by to hand over a very generous donation of £23,787 after choosing us as their Charity of the Year for 2024.

"We were honoured that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chose to support our charity during 2024," said Abigail Rowe, Head of Fundraising at Aldingbourne Trust. "We've been delighted to welcome some of their staff to the Country Centre for a number of volunteer days, where they've spent time working alongside the people we support and learning more about what we do. We've also had two visits from Rolls-Royce cars this year, which, as you can imagine, caused a lot of excitement!"

​As the newly announced charity partner for the Goodwood Estate, we are incredibly moved by the support from the Duke of Richmond. He has shared this message as part of Goodwood’s plans to use their iconic events to raise vital funds for the Trust:

“After 19 years of free Breakfast Clubs, it’s time for a change. We’re inviting our incredible community to use these events as a force for good, helping to raise as much as possible for our 2025 Estate charity partner, Aldingbourne Trust.

This local charity, just five miles from Goodwood, provides vital support for adults with learning disabilities or autism, helping them to lead meaningful lives. Their work includes supported living, job training, and social enterprises that create real employment opportunities—giving people the skills and confidence to thrive.

Attendance remains free, but we ask you to donate what you can. Donate £50 or more, and you’ll receive a limited-edition Breakfast Club sticker as a thank you.

This isn’t just a gathering of great cars—it’s a chance to drive real change. Let’s make it count.”

Not many people can say they've run 26.2 miles. But last weekend, on the 6th of April, one of our own, Rachel Benson, crossed the finish line of the Brighton Marathon in 5 hours and 55 minutes. Sore legs, sunburn, and all, in support of WorkAid.

We caught up with Rachel the day after, and she told me, "I can't quite believe I did it. It was so hard, and I'm definitely feeling rather sore and waddling today!"

Before taking up a secondment with the Department of Work and Pensions earlier this year, Rachel managed the WorkAid team. So, she's witnessed first-hand the impact employment can have on the lives of people in our community with learning disabilities and autism.

"WorkAid has had so many challenges over recent years," she said. "The service has seen so many cuts and reductions, and the team work so hard with the little resources they have. It was time for me to give back."

Her marathon day started strong, with the first 10 miles feeling steady and manageable. But as the hills rolled in and the sun blazed down, things got tough. "By mile 18, I was losing stamina, and the heat was really taking its toll. I pushed on, supported by an amazing friend, until we hit mile 20 where the real mental challenge kicked in. At the final 400 metres, I dug deep for a sprint finish. It was the most amazing feeling as I crossed that finish line to the music and the crowd cheering!"

But race day didn't come about without any hurdles along the way. Training with two young children while working full-time meant early morning runs before the sun was even up. "It takes a heap of willpower," she said. "Training for a marathon is a full-time job in itself."

Rachel has been a runner for a number of years, having completed a couple of half marathons and plenty of 10ks. But after having her second child, running took a back seat. Over the past year, she’d worked hard to build herself back up, starting with 5km runs and gradually increasing the distance all the way to marathon-ready. 

One of her favourite moments was staring down at the turquoise sea as runners made their way to the marina. And, of course, the moment she spotted her family at the finish line. "Keep going, keep going, keep going! Oh, look, my family! Keeep goooooiiinnngggg!"

When I asked what WorkAid and the Trust meant to her personally, Rachel didn't hesitate. "They have a special place in my heart. The people we support have shaped and defined my life, and my understanding of society has been challenged by working for them. I want the best for our clients and to see them thrive. I won't stop doing what I can to make a difference."

So far, Rachel has raised £360, but she hopes to reach £1,000 to help keep vital partnerships alive so the people we support have the right support to succeed in work.

Are you thinking about fundraising for the Trust yourself? Rachel says, "Do it!! It doesn't have to be running a marathon. Choose something that challenges you and gives you life, too. It's so worth it."

You can support Rachel's incredible efforts by donating here: ​https://www.aldingbournetrust.org/store/p272/Rachels-Mega-Marathon-Madness.html

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

Beyond Words has named our Creative Spaces Book Club 'Book Club of the Year' 2025, and we couldn't be prouder!

This club is such a special space where the people we support can come together, make friends, and explore stories in a way that works for them.

Thank you to Beyond Words for spending the afternoon with us to present the award and celebrate over a lovely afternoon tea.

​Watch the highlights of the day in our latest YouTube video below:

On March 5th, we had the amazing opportunity to attend the Learning Disability England (LDE) conference in Manchester. Karen, Casper, and Katie headed up the day before to prepare for a full day of learning and discussions. The conference brought together people with learning disabilities, family members, carers, and professionals from all kinds of organisations, all working towards a more inclusive future.

The setup was highly interactive, with different rooms offering various ways to engage before and between workshops.

One of the first stops was the Good Lives Framework Manifesto pledge room. Attendees wrote personal pledges about how they could support better lives for people with learning disabilities in their workplaces and communities. Photos were taken of participants holding their pledges, which were later displayed around the event.

Another room hosted NHS Benchmarking representatives who shared details about a survey for families and carers of people with learning disabilities who had recently been in hospital. Upstairs, the Self Advocate Cinema showcased powerful films made by and about people with learning disabilities.

The conference kicked off with two really powerful presentations:

• The first one highlighted the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities from ethnic minority backgrounds. It was eye-opening to see how being part of two minority groups can make things even harder and how we need to do more to address these issues.
• The second was from a woman with a learning disability who co-wrote The Keys to Citizenship. She worked with an experienced writer to bring this book to life, explaining seven key things that help people be included in their communities, like having a home, money, and a sense of purpose.

Karen and Katie then split up to attend different workshops so they could cover more ground:

Karen's Workshops:

• Campaign for Change – Tree of a Good Life: This session used a tree as a way of explaining how we can create lasting, positive change in social care and society.
• U-Night Group – Building Relationships and Connections: This was all about making sure people with learning disabilities have the same chances to build relationships as everyone else and tackling the attitudes that sometimes get in the way.

Katie's Workshops:

• IMPOWER – Making Strength-Based Practice Real: This session focused on the power of language. A lot of the time, reports and assessments use quite negative wording, which can feel impersonal and even dehumanising. Strength-based practice flips that around, using positive language to focus on people's potential.
• Skills for Care – A Workforce Strategy in Social Care: This was all about recruiting, training, and keeping staff in social care. While the strategy itself wasn't co-produced, they were open to ideas from the room, which was great to see.

There were some really fun and inspiring moments, too! During lunch, they got to watch Leaping Frogs, an inclusive band, perform some well-known songs. It was such a brilliant example of how people with learning disabilities can absolutely shine in the arts.

Later, they joined a session with Dance Syndrome, a co-produced dance organisation. One of their members performed a solo dance, and his mum spoke about how being part of Dance Syndrome has completely transformed his life. Then, they got the whole audience up on their feet to learn some moves!

Everyone left feeling really inspired. Karen was amazed at how many people were there. The room was absolutely packed! For Katie, the biggest takeaway was how much progress is being made with co-production. We must keep using our voices to make sure people listen and don't forget about us.

This trip wouldn't have been possible without the support of the Friends of Aldingbourne. Thanks to them, the team was able to experience so much, bring back loads of ideas, and get inspired for the future. Hopefully, there'll be more opportunities like this to come!

Become a Friend!
By becoming a Friend of Aldingbourne, you can help create more enriching experiences for the people we support. The Friends fund social events, Christmas meals, entertainment, and fundraising and grant applications to ensure the people we support have amazing opportunities, just like this conference. 🔗 https://www.aldingbournetrust.org/friends.html

As you know, we're pretty passionate about making sure everyone has the information they need to be heard, especially when it comes to voting. That's why we're excited to share a new project from Dynamite and MAKE, who've teamed up with Sarah Lehmkuehler, Electoral Engagement Officer for Portsmouth, to create an accessible voting guide.

The idea came about after an accessible voting session at MAKE last year. It went down well, but we know that many of the people we support benefit from having something they can refer back to. At a recent Accessibility Working Group meeting, Karen Murray, a volunteer at MAKE and Dynamite, highlighted the need for more easy-read information and suggested creating a picture book-style guide.

Members from both groups are now getting involved and will be featured in the new guide and video. Filming is set to take place at Portsmouth Museum on March 26th, and Sarah will return to Dynamite on May 7th to share the finished resources.

Everyone should have an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process. For many, voting can feel overwhelming without the right support, and we believe that the more we can do to break down barriers, the more people will feel empowered to have their say.

The voting process needs to be clearer. It needs to be accessible so everyone can feel confident taking part. We'll share more updates as the project comes together!

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

At Aldingbourne Trust, we're proud of the impact our WorkAid service is having. By helping adults with learning disabilities and autism find paid employment, we're changing lives. One of our latest partnerships, with Nando's, has led to 14 individuals securing jobs across five of its locations in Sussex. This brings the total number of people we've supported into work to over 1,600.

We first teamed up with Nando's when its Bognor Regis restaurant opened last year. Dan Massey, General Manager at Nando's Bognor Regis – Arun Retail Park, shared, "We're always looking at ways to attract and develop the best talent in our restaurants. The Nandocas [team members] we have welcomed via the Aldingbourne Trust have been fantastic additions to our team. They bring enthusiasm, dedication, and energy, and that's exactly what we need to continue delivering the great food and service we're known for."

At WorkAid, we take the time to understand what employers need and match them with individuals whose skills and interests align. We support businesses through the entire hiring process—from interviews and onboarding to workplace adjustments—so that both employers and employees feel supported every step of the way.

For those joining Nando's, the experience has been life-changing. Ieva, one of the new recruits, shared, "I have so much more confidence and am able to interact with people in a way I never thought I could," she said. "Since my discovery day, I have felt like I am truly understood and accepted as a woman with autism. I love the financial independence that this job brings, and meeting new people every day is a huge bonus."

Katie Williams, our Community Partnership Lead, hopes this success will inspire other businesses to get involved, "If Nando's can do it, places like Tesco and Sainsbury's can do it. We have people working in huge businesses, but we haven't found that major link in terms of supported employment yet. My job is to develop these leads, and I hope relationships can flourish just like Nando's."

This partnership is proof that inclusive employment benefits everyone: businesses gain committed employees, individuals achieve greater independence, and communities become more inclusive.

To learn more about WorkAid and how your business can get involved, visit: www.aldingbournetrust.org 

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

We’re really proud to share that Tracy, our Volunteer Coordinator, has been recognised as one of West Sussex Library Service’s Library Champions as part of their 100-year celebrations in 2025. This honour recognises her incredible work leading the Bognor Library Community Garden project.

The garden has been a real labour of love for Tracy and her team. Originally created to promote social connection and the joys of gardening, the space had been left unattended until last year. When Tracy took on the project, the garden was overgrown and in need of a fresh start. Undeterred, she brought together a group of volunteers, local organisations, and community partners, and they’ve been meeting every Thursday to transform it into a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.

With funding from Southern Water and a recent £200 donation from Covers in Bognor, the team has worked tirelessly, breathing new life into the garden. Tracy regularly shares updates and photos, and the progress has been transformational in every way. 

Speaking about the recognition, Tracy said, “It was a lovely surprise to be nominated. The garden is a great project to work on, and it’s been wonderful to see the difference it’s made, not just to the library but to the people involved.”

As we look forward to celebrating West Sussex Library Service’s centenary this year, we couldn’t be prouder of Tracy and her team for their hard work and dedication. This recognition is so well-earned. Well done, Tracy!

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

This morning, we were featured on BBC Radio Sussex as part of their top story on the rise of tool thefts across Sussex. Our CEO, Sue Livett, spoke about the impact of a break-in at our Aldingbourne Country Centre last year, where over £20,000 worth of tools were stolen.​

The story coincides with a rally taking place in London today, calling for tougher laws to combat tool theft. It was a greatopportunity to contribute to the conversation and highlight how these thefts have affected both our operation and the people we support.

The government has pledged to continue working with the police to find solutions to tool theft, ensure justice for victims, and hold criminals accountable. Parliament is currently passing a bill, tabled by a Hampshire MP, seeking to introduce harsher sentencing for those caught stealing tools.

Since our break-in, we've taken steps to increase security, but the longer-term effects on trust and the activities available to those we support are harder to recover. As Sue Livett mentioned, "It makes people a bit less trusting and will affect the activities they can do."

If you'd like to hear more, you can listen back to the full conversation from 2 hours 19 minutes on Danny Pike's show here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0kjrv1m 

Our goal is simple: to guide people to the help they need and create a future where everyone thrives.

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

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. 

​
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.
​
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.