About Us
Aims and Objectives
The Lodge Trust was established in 1984 by Mr Fred Hutton and his wife Anne as a Christian provision for adults with learning disabilities. The Charity has an evangelical Christian foundation; thus biblical principles underpin life at The Lodge. People are recognised as individuals who can contribute and be encouraged to reach their full potential. We aim to provide support for life, but it is recognised that some may develop support needs which cannot be met by The Lodge Trust. Also some, through support and training, may move into a more independent setting.
The Properties
The original building on the site is an early 18th century stone built residence standing in approximately 4 acres of grounds and surrounded by a further 17 acres of parkland. Nine residents now live in this original building called the Lodge House. A purpose built house, the Cottage, was opened in 1991 and is home for a further ten residents. In 1999 a new £500,000 home, Garden House, was opened for six residents who now need more support.
Residents
The Lodge Trust is suitable for adults who are ambulant but who require an input from others and support in responsible decision making. Selection of residents is concerned not with the kind or degree of disability, but with those who demonstrate that they are capable of benefiting from and contributing to the life of the Lodge. Every effort is made to bring together a compatible group of people who are happy to share their homes together.
Staff
The staff are in full sympathy with the Christian aims of the Charity and have been drawn from people with a wide range of training and experience. Many of the care staff live on-site. The residential team is headed by the Residential Services Manager. Staff training is essential, this is provided mainly through the NVQ work based assessment scheme and is coordinated by a Training Manager.
Training and Work
The Work and Education Services under their manager provide workshop facilities for carpentry, crafts and printing. Horticulture and household duties provide other work activities. The daily work programmes are designed to afford residents with realistic opportunities where their skills can be utilised and developed. They are enabled to make a real contribution that is needed and valued.
Some residents are quite specialised, whereas others prefer a more varied programme and choose from horticulture, carpentry, catering, crafts, laundry and domestic work. Residents, therefore, have the satisfaction of providing a service such as mowing the lawns or creating end products that are sellable on their own merit. Where appropriate, further education is provided through college attendance, though the work situation is also used to extend numeracy and literacy.
Board of Trustees
- Paul Muldoon (Chairman)
- David Donegani
- Elisabeth Hodges
- Heather Parrott
- John Rawlinson
- Richard Stevens
Management Committee
- Paul Muldoon (Chairman)
- Heather Parrott
- Ann Akrill
- Roy Palframan
- Liz Perkins
