Our History

Our charity was established in 1984 by Dorothy Gardener, a Senior Social Worker at Roundway Hospital. Through her work, Dorothy recognised the growing shift towards the Government's Care in the Community policy, which would ultimately lead to the closure of many long-stay institutional settings. Driven by a commitment to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities and mental health needs, she founded the charity to provide individuals with the opportunity to live within the community, enjoying greater independence, dignity, and choice.

From the outset, Dorothy assembled a highly experienced and professional management committee, which included the Consultant Psychiatrist and Consultant Psychologist from Roundway Hospital. Their expertise helped shape the organisation's vision and ensured that high standards of care and support were embedded from the beginning.

The charity's first home, King Street, was opened and initially operated with a resident Warden/Housekeeper. This was followed by Glanmor, with both services providing shared accommodation, including double occupancy rooms where space allowed. Subsequently, Long Street and The Beeches were established, further expanding opportunities for individuals to move from institutional care into community-based homes.

As each service opened, residents from Roundway Hospital were supported to make the transition into the community, with homes gradually accommodating individuals from hospital wards as part of the wider deinstitutionalisation programme. Over time, King Street and Glanmor became Registered Homes, requiring staff support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Long Street and The Beeches operated as supported living services with more limited staffing arrangements and no overnight cover, reflecting the differing support needs of the people who lived there.

As the organisation evolved, governance arrangements were reviewed to ensure transparency and avoid potential conflicts of interest. As local authorities and health services began purchasing placements from the charity, it became inappropriate for professionals directly involved in commissioning services to remain on the management committee. As a result, the charity developed a new governance structure, with trustees and committee members drawn from a range of backgrounds, all united by a strong commitment to the organisation's values, mission, and the people we support.

Today, we remain proud of our heritage and the vision of those who founded the charity. Their dedication laid the foundations for the high-quality, person-centred services we provide today, and we continue to build on that legacy by supporting individuals to live fulfilling, independent lives within their communities.