1978
Charity Establishment
Three parents - Mavis Miles, Susan Evershed, and Paddy Whiteside - faced the challenge of finding post-school opportunities for their sons.
Determined to make a difference, they founded the Aldingbourne Country Centre Charity.
The journey began with negotiating a 15-acre, 12-year lease on the grounds of Aldingbourne House.
Later in 1991, the Charity was renamed Aldingbourne Trust.
1982
Our First Residential Project
Milton Lodge provided expert care and support for local people and those from further afield to live.
Simon Rishworth, one of our first tenants, recalls: “I made lots of friends like Paul, Thomas, Jeremy, Stuart, Graham, and Debbie. We went on holidays together - to Florida twice and to Tenerife. There was a games room, an exercise bike, and craft activities. My mum used to visit, and I lived there until 2006.”
1995
Introducing, WorkAid
The Trust started offering specialist work preparation and placement services.
In 2010, WorkAid secured a contract for Supported Employment services in West Sussex, expanding to include work preparation in 2014.
By 2020, the focus shifted from voluntary work to helping individuals secure paid employment.
Our Story
The Aldingbourne Trust champions adults with learning disabilities and autism, placing them at the heart of everything that we do.
1999
Outreach Service
We then established an outreach service to support adults with learning disabilities in their own homes.
This service assists with daily activities like budgeting and cooking while also encouraging the use of local community resources.
2006
Supported Living Services
Queens Square was converted into six flats for 24-hour supported living.
Residents from Greystone Avenue (a registered care home) moved into Sudley Road, supported living, where each individual had their own tenancy and front door, along with 24-hour staff support.
In 2014, the service transitioned to having community-based support workers instead of overnight staff.
2009
Drop in Centres
Number 64 opened as a drop-in centre in the heart of Bognor Regis, offering a place for people to meet staff and seek advice. It also housed the Outreach Team offices, a training room, and the Creative Arts Studio.
In 2013, they relocated to more accessible premises on Aldwick Road, rebranding as Number 73.
Now known as Creative Spaces, it operates as a vibrant community hub, and in 2023, it was rebranded as a 'Community of Place and People'.
2017
Hello Portsmouth!
MAKE in Portsmouth was established to provide meaningful and engaging activities in the city.
It features a café, retail space, workshops, and upcycling initiatives and collaborates with various local traders and community groups.
MAKE also hosts "Gig Buddies" in Portsmouth, a matching program designed to help individuals with learning disabilities pursue and develop their interests.
2018
The NEW Quarry Building
Aldingbourne Country Centre unveiled its new Quarry Building - a three-story facility featuring larger conference rooms, a gift shop, and offices to enhance community engagement and visitor support.
In 2021, the original Country Centre building was expanded, renovating the former conference room and reception, adding a Changing Places toilet, and extending the café. These offices now accommodate the individuals we support and the support team.
2026
Today...
Today, we continue to grow stronger in our mission to support adults with learning disabilities and autism.
We offer a wide range of services, from low-intensity autism support to a welcoming monthly community café run by and for people with learning disabilities and autism.
We continue to stand up for those we support - challenging unfair systems, holding authorities accountable, and working to achieve better outcomes for everyone.