Shaftesbury

09/03/2026

In January, one of our students at @‌ShaftesburyVictoriaSchool took part in the British Baton Twirling Federation Winter contest.

This is a fully inclusive local baton twirling group, proudly coached by our staff, Gemma Milne and Lorraine Dredge.

Together, the para team delivered a flawless routine and won gold 🥇 A huge moment for inclusive sport, and an inspiring reminder of what’s possible with talent, dedication and belief.

Can we congratulate the girls?!

08/03/2026

It’s less than a week to go until our FREE webinar on Wills and Trusts 🗓️

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but having the right information makes all the difference. Join us on Thursday 12 March at 12pm to learn:

✔️ Why it’s important to have an up-to-date Will
✔️ What to consider when writing or updating your Will
✔️ How a gift in your Will can reduce inheritance tax
✔️ How you can write your Will for FREE

Book your free webinar place today: https://orlo.uk/XxiTq

Many of our supporters choose to include a gift in their Will to help support people with disabilities, but the choice is always yours.

07/03/2026

Sarah was not going to let a stroke get in the way of her dream of securing the prestigious London Classics medal.

Nine months of rehabilitation therapy at Shaftesbury Icanho enabled her to compete in the third and final endurance event, qualifying her for the medal against the odds.

A two-mile swim in London’s Hyde Park was no mean feat for someone who needed to re-learn to walk, ride a bike and swim in the aftermath of her stroke.

Sarah used the swim challenge as an opportunity to fundraise for Shaftesbury as her way of demonstrating immense gratitude for the support she received throughout her recovery.

Read her inspirational story here: https://orlo.uk/aJqkj

Setting her sights high, the goal was to secure a prestigious London Classics medal by competing in three iconic endurance events – the London Marathon, RideLondon 100, and Swim Serpentine. Amazingly, even having a stroke did not stop Sarah achieving this. She’d already successfully completed th...

06/03/2026

Members of the Shaftesbury community in North Wales have been doing their bit for the environment by litter picking on the Llandudno coastline. They spent the morning with the Friends of the West Shore, a community group with a mission to keep the promenade area clean.

As part of the experience, our volunteer litter pickers were shown around the coastguard station to learn about maritime safety.

05/03/2026

Students at Victoria Education Centre had a brilliant opportunity to interview performer Matt Green for a special Vibe radio broadcast 🎙️💚

After researching Matt’s career and preparing their own questions, they spoke confidently live on air — showing fantastic curiosity, confidence and communication skills.

A fun and inspiring experience, with plenty of laughs along the way (including a very memorable “sounds like a duck” moment!) 🦆✨

03/03/2026

Take on one of London’s most iconic challenges the Royal Parks Half Marathon 2026 with .

This stunning 13.1-mile route winds through Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens, with unforgettable views of Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.

By fundraising for Shaftesbury, you’ll be helping people with disabilities live a life that truly adds up for them. Every mile you run will help change lives. 💚

Registration is £30 with a £350 fundraising target.
👉 Find out more https://orlo.uk/RGcAE

02/03/2026

🙌 Why volunteer with Shaftesbury?

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back – it’s about empowering others, building real connections, and creating lasting change.

People volunteer with Shaftesbury for so many reasons:
✔️ To meet new people
✔️ To share or learn new skills
✔️ To boost confidence and build a stronger CV
✔️ To have fun!

Whatever your reason, your support can help transform lives.

🔗 Find out more in our volunteering leaflet:
https://orlo.uk/vMYu3

25/02/2026

What brings Karson (Shaftesbury Thrive) joy?

Karson loves getting out into the community with staff support.

Karson loves visiting the barbers for a fresh haircut and exploring the Metro Centre.

When he’s at home, Karson loves spending time with his sensory items, with his ball pit being a favourite.

These routines and activities are helping Karson build independence, confidence and joy in the places that matter most to him. 🌟

24/02/2026

Today is Emotional Health Day, which we can use as a gentle reminder to be kind to yourself, too. 💙

Emotional wellness also means giving ourselves space to pause, rest, reflect and reset.

Shaftesbury knows that support looks different for everyone, which is why we provide resources to help improve people’s wellness.

Find more: https://orlo.uk/fnmZp

23/02/2026

🚀 Start your next chapter with Shaftesbury!

We’re hiring for frontline and other roles across the UK. Join a team that values compassion, care, and community, and help us support people with disabilities to live life to the fullest.

📍 Nationwide roles available – https://www.shaftesburygroup.org/jobs/why-work-with-us/

22/02/2026

Our Vice-Patron Lord Curry of Kirkharle has been helping others for decades, driven by his strong Christian faith.

In 1990, that faith led him to set up At Home in the Community, a charity supporting children with disabilities in a Christian setting, which later became part of Shaftesbury.

The story of At Home in the Community – along with the wider story of Lord Curry’s life, faith and public service – is told in Not a Toff, a new biography by Jim Cockburn.

Still guided by the same faith today, Lord Curry is generously donating half of the book’s profits to Shaftesbury. We’re incredibly thankful for his continued support.

You can find a copy of Not a Toff and help support us at:

Amazon - https://orlo.uk/3wOl6
Malcolm Down Publishing -

​ Not a Toff is the unforgettable story of Lord Donald Curry – a Northumberland hill farmer who rose to the House of Lords, advised prime ministers, and worked alongside King Charles III, yet never lost touch with his roots.  

21/02/2026

“I get to do lots of new and exciting things being part of the Changes for the Future Forum.”

Debbie’s lived at Shaftesbury South East for over 17 years. She’s been lucky enough to meet HRH The Princess Royal and represented the interests of people with disabilities at the Reimagining Care Conference. Debbie’s a long-standing St Johns Ambulance volunteer, has mastered important skills such as CPR and is helping to make a difference.

Read more about the work of the forum: https://orlo.uk/4m8lM