Newent Association for the Disabled is the umbrella organisation for Sheppard House, Community Transport Service, Bathing and Therapeutic Services and our Charity Shop, and was founded in 1981 by Trudie Sheppard MBE, herself disabled.

With family and friends she began fund-raising, and with local support, donations and assistance from Charitable Trusts, specially adapted vehicles have been purchased during this time, eleven of which are now in operation.

From a small club held in the local Community Centre the need grew and her second project was to raise funds to build a purpose built Centre, which was completed in 1994, and that became “Sheppard House”. Now approximately 175 disabled people enjoy weekly visits to Sheppard House and in excess of 35,000 people use our Community Transport Service annually. In 2007 an extension was added to house bathing and therapy facilities – a dream fulfilled!

SHEPPARD HOUSE DAY CENTRE

The Day Centre is for physically disabled and older people and it provides a welcome break for those people who would otherwise be isolated or lonely. We are open five days a week and provide care, companionship and recreational activities. Morning refreshments, a two course hot lunch, and afternoon tea are provided and special diets are catered for. A subsidised charge is made which includestransport, if required.

Various entertainments are organised and outings to theatres, garden centres and local beauty spots. We provide a library and talking books and run art and craft sessions.

We have an excellent team of highly skilled professional care staff and volunteers to ensure that you enjoy your day with us.

BATHING/THERAPEUTIC FACILITIES

Assisted and therapeutic bathing has been available at Sheppard House since July 2007.

The annex has two bathing suites, which offer a relaxing massage as well as cleansing, and bathing attendants are on hand to assist those who are less able to manage by themselves. 

During 2012 we are pleased to announce that a purpose built shower has been installed to enable our clients to also have an assisted shower.

There are various therapies such as back-care and chiropody available in the annex.

SENSORY GARDEN

Our sensory garden is open all year round however during the warmer weather the garden will be seen at its best our clients like to enjoy afternoon tea so why don’t you come and join us during the afternoons between2pm – 3pm

THE CHARITY SHOP

Our Charity Shop can be found in the superb surroundings of the “Old Shambles” inChurch Street, we are a local charity benefiting local people, rare to find these days. All the income generated from the donations that we receive is invested back in to the Association providing direct services to local people in Newent and the surrounding area.  

All the goods sold in the shop have been donated and we are always in need of books, clothes, bric-a-brac, electrical items [except TVs] and small items of furniture. Your help is needed, to donate, to buy or to work in the shop. If you have problems in delivering donations we can arrange collection.

If you Gift-Aid your donations to us, then we can claim an extra 25% on your donation from the taxman.  Another superb way to help your local charity!

As well as offering warm, friendly service in comfortable surroundings there are leaflets, help and advice available here. Bookings for Community Transport can be made on this site and the shop is used as a “bus stop” so that our older residents and disabled people can wait for theirtransportin comfort.

Come in and browse and meet our excellent team of helpful staff and volunteers

COMMUNITY TRANSPORT SERVICES

The Community Transport Service covers Newent and most of the surrounding villages and towns, and a large portion of the North Forest of Dean.   It operates between9:00amand5:00pmMonday to Friday except for Bank holidays.

Please note that if you requiretransportdo give them at least 24 hours notice if at all possible.

Alltransportservices operate under a special permit that allows us to help people of limited mobility and enables them to lead a more independent life.

There are no upper or lower age limits and therefore our services are available to anyone, both during temporary disablement and for longer periods of time. Your doctor, health visitor or other practitioner is able to refer you to us, but you may also contact us directly.

The Association alsotransports children with learning and/or physical disabilities to local special needs facilities.

FUNDING

We are a Registered Charity and rely heavily on grants and donations for our operating costs. Our aim is to give a comprehensive service and to reach as many people as possible in Newent and the surrounding area; there are different ways to help support our work.

Fundraising

Not everyone can run a marathon but if you can we would like to hear from you, we can provide shirts and sponsorship forms.  You might like to hold an event for us a coffee morning, afternoon tea.  How about a dinner party? Quiz evening? We can help by providing information so that you can tell your friends who you are fundraising for.

Maybe you would prefer to donate money to the Association? Obviously we are happy to recieve monetary donations in person but you can also donate securely online by visiting our fundraising page at TheBigGive.org.uk

LEGACIES AND IN MEMORIAM

Keeping it local

Having made the decision to leave a gift in your will the most difficult question is often, which charity to choose, Newent Association for the Disabled provides a simple solution we make sure your gift stays local and is used to support local people. As a small local charity we provide a much needed and caring service to the increasing number of older vulnerable and disabled members of our community

In Memoriam

We can discuss with you the options for donating in memory, or arrange to send in memory envelopes to collect donations at a funeral or memorial. In memory collection envelopes are a simple way to collect donations at a funeral, memorial service or event.

A tribute fund is a simple way for you, or anyone who knew your loved one, to give. Talk to us about setting up a Tribute you can personalise so that it truly reflects your loved one.

A memorial event can be a lovely way to honour a memory. You could host a gathering of friends and family to celebrate your loved one and raise donations.

VOLUNTEERING

Do you have spare time on your hands? Volunteering is worthwhile, you can help support your local community whilst receiving training and new skills as well as having fun and making new friends we would welcome help with assisting our clients at Sheppard House, mini bus drivers and escorts, Car driving for Voluntary Car Service, Kitchen assistance at Sheppard House, help with art and craft activities, provide extra hands on outings and trips, helping in the Charity Shop

OTHER SERVICES

Wheelchair Hire

We loan wheelchairs for short term use for those who are visiting please contact us for charges.

Room Hire

At Sheppard House we have a fully accessible venue which can be hired at competitive rates for meetings, clubs and fitness, during the day, in the evening and at weekends. There are also rooms available for therapists, if you wish to find out how to book a room – please ring us.

Books and Newsletter

Please look out for ‘A brush with the past’ a selection of work and memories by the late Mick Thurston and our quarterly Newsletter which lets everyone know about the services we are providing in Newent and the surrounding area.

Specialist Services

We will be introducing new services during 2012, additional activities to help support those with memory loss and a range of positive caring workshops

MIDAS Minibus Training

The Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MIDAS) is an essential national qualification for all Minibus drivers who are involved with the movement of people in Minibuses and in many cases is a requirement when driving or working for any Schools, Local Authorities or Charitable Groups either on a paid for or voluntary basis.

Two courses are available one for new drivers to Midas and one for existing Midas certificate holders needing to renew their certificate (needed every 4 years).

Standard: The Midas standard minibus driver training course (half day) includes a full driving assessment, class room tutorial and theory test leading to a Midas Standard pass certificate.

Accessible ( for drivers using Minibuses fitted with lifts, ramps and aids to carry people with disabilities such as wheelchair users): The Midas accessible minibus driver training course (full day) includes a full driving assessment, practical instruction on moving people with disabilities, class room tutorial and theory test leading to a Midas Accessible pass certificate.

Newent Association for the Disabled….. there for you

Sheppard House

Sheppard Way

Newent, Glos

GL18 1TL

Phone 01531 821227 Fax 01531 820078

Email: NADservices@newentbb.co.uk

     www.sheppardhouse.co.uk

Registered in England and Wales Charity No 1121008 and Company Limited by Guarantee 4937256.