Thanks to the support of The Access Foundation, Canterbury Oast Trust continues to empower people with learning disabilities and autism to live, learn and work with independence and confidence.
Based in Kent, the charity provides supported living, residential homes and life-skills training in areas such as retail, horticulture, animal care and the arts—helping more than 150 people build meaningful lives and play an active role in their communities.
The Access Foundation has awarded £5,000 to fund a new learning and development programme for 160 staff members, giving them the skills to better support an ageing population with complex physical, cognitive and emotional needs. The training will focus on person-centred care, empathy and dignity—ensuring that each individual continues to receive compassionate, tailored support throughout later life.
The sessions will coincide with Ageing Awareness Day and Alzheimer’s Month, using hands-on learning and reflective workshops to help staff understand the realities of ageing and dementia. The impact of this training will reach far beyond the initial six days, shaping Canterbury Oast Trust’s care practices for years to come and improving the quality of life for every person they support.
By investing in the people who care for others, this initiative will strengthen the charity’s mission to ensure that everyone—regardless of ability—can age with dignity, confidence and joy.
