August's Charity - National Star College - Star Appeal

National Star College at Ullenwood was founded in 1967 as an independent specialist college offering educational opportunities to young adults with a range of disabling conditions. Over the years we have given our students the opportunity to take control of their lives and achieve a degree of independence and personal fulfillment which they and their families could not have thought possible.

Over the last 40 years the National Star College has achieved great things, but now we are faced with new challenges. The survival of premature babies with long term disabilities, acquired brain injuries through accident or illness and the opportunity for education that new technology can offer means that our students needs are more complex and diverse than ever before. Our facilities are now outdated and ill equipped to cope with the considerable and intensive demands of this changing population.

To address these issues a five-phased development plan has been developed. Through a combination of new buildings, conversion and refurbishments, we are making significant improvements to therapies, nursing and support facilities, teaching spaces, and social and welfare spaces, together with the provision of residential accommodation that will enable students to access education and develop their life-skills within supported small groups of students.

To turn these plans into a reality we need to raise £15.4 million and this is being raised through a capital appeal – the ‘Star Appeal’. The development work began in 2006. As a charity we have always depended upon support of individual donors, trusts, business and the wider community. Every penny does count and any donations or fundraising you can do will make a difference to the lives of our students.

Thank you to Highbury Congregational Church for supporting the Star Appeal.

To find out more please contact the Caroline Annfield, Community Fundraiser on 01242 524478 or go to www.natstar.ac.uk

July's Charity - Langley House Trust

Langley House Trust is a charity specialising in providing residential resettlement services for the marginalised and disadvantaged, including ex-offenders and those at risk of offending. The Knole is Langley House Trust’s project in Cheltenham, which provides accommodation together with support and care for 14 men who would otherwise be homeless. They have sent us this update of their work.

“Over the past year we have had several residents successfully move-on to independent living provided by local housing providers in Tewkesbury and the Cotswold area. One resident stating that he knew he would have got into trouble if it had not been for the support he received from his key worker and staff at the Knole.

Other residents stay at the Knole for longer periods due to their care needs or support to deal with the issues which led to their previous offending behaviour. They are involved in a programme of activities aimed at developing life skills to deal with independent living.

We have had great success in finding opportunities for resident’s to engage in volunteering, two at a charity shop, one in the kitchen of a local care home and another engaging in group garden work. This brings new skills and social interaction for the residents and helps them gain self worth; it also gives them an external interest and contributes towards the community.

Residents have monthly trips which have included a steam train ride, a visit to the Black County Museum, Lydney Docks and Taurus Crafts. Other activities have included art session every Thursday; this has enabled four residents to be part of the Cheltenham Arts Festival, Open Studios, exhibiting their work across the road in St Mark’s Church. All four residents have sold a piece of art work. Not only have Art sessions been offered but also Craft activities, which have proved equally popular and have included, tie dying, transfer printing, mosaic tile mirror frames and mug painting.

Another activity to engage the residents and boost their self esteem is a drama group. They have performed a few short simple sketches including ‘Hello’, ‘Have you seen him?’ and ‘Pass it on’ – the Trust were so impressed with the powerful impact of the play they were asked to perform in front of Princess Ann at the launch of the Trust’s Annual review which was a fantastic once in a lifetime experience.

The Knole residents and staff are very grateful for the prayer support and gifts that the local churches give every year to our cause.”

See Langley House Trust