Shaftesbury

The disability charity enabling people with disabilities to live the life they want to lead

Shaftesbury is the charity that’s committed to enabling people with disabilities to live the life they want to lead. We work to change what is unlivable, helping people to tackle the barriers they face and create a livable life. We believe that the people we support have the right to a full and flourishing life and they deserve the very best in service delivery. Driven by our core values, Shaftesbury strives to be open, enabling, inclusive and courageous in all that we do.

22/10/2025

These smiles say it all! Students at Shaftesbury Victoria School celebrated their achievements at the start of term after receiving their exam results.

There were so many successes – from students who achieved top grades across their subjects to those who overcame personal challenges and achieved outcomes that open doors to exciting new opportunities.

We’re extremely proud of all our students. These results are testament to their hard work, resilience and creativity, and we’re looking forward to seeing them flourish as they move on to their next stage in education, training, or employment.

21/10/2025

🎥 What makes life add up?

At Shaftesbury, we believe that everyone has a unique balance of things that lift them up – whether it's music, movement, connection, or calm. That’s what we call a Life Sum.

Part of Janice’s life sum is her passionate expression that involves creating art, mostly through pottery.

💛 What’s yours?

💻 Explore your own Life Sum and download our free Wellness Guide or Church Resource at:
👉 http://lifesum.org

20/10/2025

Would you like to help make life add up for people with disabilities?

We’re recruiting for Enabling Support Workers in North Down and Ards. So why not bring your compassion and a desire to make a difference in the lives for people with disabilities, and join Team Shaftesbury?

Find out more and apply here: https://orlo.uk/vNILs

18/10/2025

🚨 When the people we support speak, we listen — and we act.

At Shaftesbury New Court Place in Hertfordshire, wheelchair delays and poor local accessibility have made day-to-day life harder than it should be. But thanks to the voices of staff and residents, these concerns reached Parliament.

Local MP Sir Oliver Dowden visited the service, heard directly from those affected, and raised the issue in Westminster — securing a commitment from the Health Secretary and prompting action from AJM Healthcare.

📖 Read the full story in our latest blog:
👉 https://orlo.uk/fVeNs

17/10/2025

Millie’s Gifts & Garden shop officially opened to the public this month.

Located at the Courtyard Craft Centre in Lytchett Minster, the shop has a mix of quality items grown and handcrafted at Shaftesbury Millie College – seasonal produce, home grown plants and fresh eggs, as well as handmade gifts and crafts designed and created by students.

Since collecting the keys, a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to decorate and fit out the shop.

Millie’s Gifts & Garden is open Wednesday to Friday, from 10am to 2pm, with students working alongside staff learning customer service, retail and business admin skills in a safe and familiar setting.

16/10/2025

People we support at Shaftesbury John Grooms Court enjoyed a day out on the water watching the local wildlife thanks to the Nancy Oldfield Trust, a charity that offers accessible boating on the Norfolk Broads. Even the rain couldn’t spoil the day!

15/10/2025

🎅✨ London is about to turn red!

Join us for Santa in the City on 3 & 4 December - a festive 4km walk or run through central London, with every participant in full Santa costume.

It’s fun, flat, and family-friendly - and by taking part, you’ll be helping people with disabilities live a life that adds up for them. People like George, whose assistive technology means he can now live more independently.

🎄 Sign up today for just £10 and be part of the magic!
https://www.shaftesburygroup.org/events/santa-in-the-city-2025/

14/10/2025

What makes life feel meaningful? For Harriet and Jason, it’s their relationship and being there for one another.

This beautiful clip captures just one moment in a Life Sum — the unique mix of things that bring joy, balance, and connection to each of us.

💻 Create your own Life Sum or download our free Wellness Guide at: lifesum.org

11/10/2025

A Causeway fellowship group has been re-established in Aberystwyth to nurture the spiritual life of the people we support at Shaftesbury Hafan-y-Coed and Brodawel. The weekly sessions had previously been popular until Covid put a stop to them.

The Causeway project was first initiated by Prospects, the Christian charity that merged with Shaftesbury in 2016. The sessions are an opportunity for people with a learning disability to come together in worship, although anyone is welcome and the Aberystwyth group is steadily growing.

Read the full story in our latest blog: https://orlo.uk/K6EJY

10/10/2025

A quiet coffee. Music that makes you smile. A walk in the park.

On World Mental Health Day, we’re celebrating the small, everyday moments that support our wellbeing. 💛

Our FREE Wellness Guide is designed to help you spot the positives and bring more of them into your day - in your own way, at your own pace.

👉 Download your FREE guide today: https://orlo.uk/EzQcC

09/10/2025

🚂 A day at Ruislip Lido brought smiles all around for the people we support at Shaftesbury Bradbury Court.

This adventure gave everyone the chance to relax, explore, and ride a charming miniature train ride around the lake.

08/10/2025

👑 This week, we were honoured to welcome the HRH The Princess Royal to Shaftesbury Ivy Lodge, one of our supported living services for young adults with complex neurodivergences and learning disabilities.

Her Royal Highness spent time meeting residents and staff, listening to their stories and learning about the impact of Shaftesbury’s work.

Our CEO Sally Chivers shared:
“Visits like this from The Princess Royal are a priceless benefit to our charity. For the people we support and their families, the excitement begins months in advance and continues long after the visit has ended. Today, Her Royal Highness listened to the views of those in Ivy Lodge and asked questions about their lives. All of this makes them feel valued. I can’t thank her enough for her contribution to what we do.”

👑 Thank you, Princess Royal, for your continued support of Shaftesbury.

Address

Coburg House, 1 Coburg Street
Gateshead
NE81NS

Telephone

+442074522000

Website

http://www.shaftesburygroup.org/

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