Shaftesbury

06/06/2026

It’s Volunteers’ Week 2026 and an opportunity to acknowledge the selfless individuals who regularly give up their time to volunteer at our services across the UK.

We’re so appreciative of their time and commitment, working alongside staff to ensure people with disabilities live lead full and meaningful lives.

People we support also volunteer for the good of their communities.

Take Ashley, who lives at Shaftesbury Dolphin Court in Essex. Every Friday he volunteers at the local shop – greeting customers, helping them pack their shopping, and sometimes, even carrying it home for them!

Ashley loves the opportunity for a chat with the regulars and they appreciate his warm nature and willingness to help out. He’s often rewarded with biscuits and cake!

05/06/2026

This time last year, Shaftesbury Anvil House was busy planning an afternoon tea to fundraise. Thanks to their efforts, they were able to buy this lovely garden furniture.

But it is more than a table, some chairs and umbrella. It is a place where everyone can come together. Fingers crossed, with some sunny summer on the way, we’re sure it will be well used.

03/06/2026

There is music being made at Shaftesbury Bradbury Court!

To help celebrate over 181 years of Shaftesbury Ijeoma, an Enabling Night Support Worker, used her musical talents to create this song.

The song is a reflection of what the charity and disability care mean to the staff. To help bring the song to life staff and the people we support came together to feature in this music video.

We love the song, what do you think?

02/06/2026

At Victoria Education Centre, students are enjoying the calming effects of animal-assisted therapy. 🐴

For some children and young people with disabilities, it can help:
✔️ reduce anxiety
✔️ create a greater sense of calm
✔️ support emotional regulation
✔️ improve confidence

The team is continuing to develop this work, with training underway for both staff and donkeys to help support students.

Isn’t the donkey cute?

01/06/2026

Peter and Jason are huge Arsenal fans (supported by Shaftesbury Brookside House) and we’re sure that both are still celebrating the club’s recent Premier League triumph. A historic moment for the club and its fans!

These photos take us back to last year, when Arsenal sent them signed team pictures — something that meant a lot to them.

Congratulations to Arsenal on your huge win from two very happy fans at Shaftesbury, we wish you all the best next season - Arsenal! Arsenal! Arsenal!

01/06/2026

May was an exciting month for , as many people took on some amazing, diverse challenges!

A huge thank you to:

🏃‍ Monika, who ran the iconic Edinburgh Half Marathon - https://orlo.uk/Z7oDS

🏞️ The Peaky Climbers - 10 incredible Shaftesbury Icanho staff and supporters who completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. https://orlo.uk/hLAK2

🚴‍♂️ Martin, Head of College at Shaftesbury Nash College, who cycled an amazing 82 miles in support of Shaftesbury. https://orlo.uk/yFFcf

We’re so grateful to everyone who has taken on a challenge and raised money to support our work. Congratulations to you all on such fantastic achievements. 💚

Want to be next? If you’re interested in taking on a challenge for Shaftesbury, we have events across the UK and beyond, with options for different locations, dates and fitness levels.

Get involved today: https://orlo.uk/ziBHW

29/05/2026

Last month, this unstoppable woman fulfilled a lifetime ambition by competing in the TCS London Marathon. Her creative (and unrelenting!) approach to fundraising meant she smashed her sponsorship target, raising over £5,000 for .

But it was never about the money.

When her mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last year, Sue sought help and advice from Shaftesbury's Memory and Dementia Support Service in Suffolk.

Read more of her incredible story:

Not only did she fulfil a lifetime ambition by competing in this year’s London Marathon for , she went all out with the fundraising, securing over £5,000 before the big day. A barn dance, bake sales, coffee morning, raffle, Easter egg trail run – anything she could think of to r...

28/05/2026

Maths is one of the skills we use every single day, and students at Shaftesbury Victoria School have been working hard to build their confidence with numbers.

28/05/2026

Amazing news from Wales 💚

Both Shaftesbury Brodawel & Shaftesbury Hafan y Coed are celebrating their 'Excellent' result following the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) inspection.

CIW praised the homes' “high-quality service from a team of extremely skilled staff” and noted that residents receive “an exceptionally personalised and creative approach” to planning and delivering support.

A huge thank you to the teams whose dedication helped make this possible and congrats on having your efforts formally recognised (although we always knew you were superstars!)

Want to learn more? Click here:

Photograph: Residents and staff from Shaftesbury Brodawel & Shaftesbury Hafan y Coed

As a new independent specialist college, Shaftesbury Millie College had a monitoring inspection in April. Inspectors assessed progress across four key areas: leadership and governance, inclusion, curriculum and teaching, and safeguarding. The inspection report highlighted several key strengths, incl...

27/05/2026

The award-winning Festival of Inclusivity returns on 5 July and we are proud to be an Emerald partner of Parallel Windsor!

Set against the stunning backdrop of Windsor Castle and Deer Park, this fully accessible event offers something for everyone, from sensory challenges and walks to arts and crafts or comedy. It’s all about taking part in a way that works for you.

Perfect for all ages, health conditions and abilities, it’s a brilliant day out for the whole family.

Visit the webpage for details on how to get involved: