National Star

13/11/2025

Yesterday, we officially opened the extension to the Eveson Centre at National Star in Hereford, with the Mayor of Hereford revealing the official plaque. 💫

Over the years, the centre has welcomed and supported over eighty students, achieving a range of successful outcomes. Our excellent reputation meant that each year we were welcoming more and more students. When we opened we had 20 students, but by the 2022–23 academic year 48 young adults had enrolled with us. The current spaces had become overcrowded, and this meant we had to rent additional facilities.

The solution? A new two–storey extension and improvements within the existing building. This development ensured that we could appropriately, safely and effectively accommodate the increased student numbers.

The new extension now includes:

- Two large, bright classrooms; two additional personal–care rooms; a well–equipped, accessible multi-skills kitchen and a communal space where students can prepare meals and develop essential life skills. 🍽️
- A second lift, which provides full access for all students. 🛗
- An external decked area leading to growing areas and raised beds, creating new outdoor learning opportunities. 🌳
- Two storage areas for equipment. 📦
- Wider wheelchair accessible doorways. ♿

👏 Thank you to our Fundraising team for all of their hard work on the Building a Brighter Future in Hereford campaign - we know our students are already excelling within this new space.

Hereford City Council

13/11/2025

Learning through nature at our Hereford campus!

Our fully accredited Forest School helps students thrive both academically and personally through hands-on, nature-based learning. Every session is more than just time outdoors - it’s a learner-led experience that builds confidence, resilience, and a love of discovery.

Last week, our students let their imaginations run wild, creating mud monsters around the campfire! From Josh and Moss to Stargate and Puddy the Puddle, each creature had its own story, with favourite drinks like waspy juice and puddle juice and time-travel adventures that sparked laughter and creativity all round.

One student also used their woodwork skills to build and install bird feeders at the Eveson Centre, encouraging wildlife and helping care for the natural environment. 🐦

Forest School encourages our learners to explore, challenge themselves, and connect with the world around them, all while developing vital social, emotional, and cognitive skills. 🌱

11/11/2025

Meet Poppy, a third-year student who is developing self-confidence, communication skills, and learning how to make meaningful connections with others while on National Star’s Engaging with the World pathway. ✨

Through consistent support and a personalised curriculum, Poppy is building trusting relationships, developing her communication, engaging in creative experiences, and achieving physical goals tailored to her needs. Every day, she continues to inspire those around her with her determination, vibrant personality, and infectious joy.

🔗Click the link to find out more about Poppy's journey at National Star: https://www.nationalstar.org/learn-with-us/helping-you-to-engage-with-the-world/poppys-story/

11/11/2025

Our 2026 Sunrise Walk is already shaping up to be an unforgettable event, and we couldn't do it without the incredible support of Coombes Everitt Architects, Safran and Bensons the Juicers, our amazing sponsors! Your generosity is helping us make this event possible. 🌄 🥾

There are two routes, a 13km route and a 3km route, suitable for people with limited mobility, those using sturdy electric powered wheelchairs, or children and pushchairs. Join us and experience the sunrise over the Cotswolds. ♿ 🚸

📆 Save the date: Sunday 12 April 2026
👉 Sign up here: https://www.nationalstar.org/events/sunrise-walk/

Don't miss out! Sign up now to secure your spot. Put your best foot forward for young people with disabilities and transform lives with every step!

10/11/2025

Our provision in Worcester, in partnership with the Heart of Worcestershire College, is going strength to strength, and exceeding all expectations in how it supports young adults with disabilities to learn new skills for adulthood. ✨

With the new academic year underway and celebrating this provision's one year anniversary, it has been lovely to hear some positive feedback from parents, explaining the difference we have made to their young adult's lives and how much National Star means to them.

A massive thank you to all of our colleagues, your expertise, dedication and hard work have helped students to realise their aspirations and achieve so much already.

👉 Swipe across to read what some parents had to say about the difference our team makes every day.

09/11/2025

Have you ever dreamt of flying? Turn that dream into reality with our 2026 charity Wing Walk! 🛩️

Strap yourself in for an out-of-this-world adventure that will send your adrenaline soaring. With the roar of the engine in your ears you’ll take in awe-inspiring sights as you fly up to 120mph and experience a thrilling series of flypasts, zoom climbs, steep dives and banks.

Set in the heart of the stunning Cotswold countryside and watched by your family and friends, this is a once–in–a–lifetime adventure you’ll never forget! Take to the skies, push your limits, and help transform lives of young adults with complex disabilities. 💫

Date: Thursday 4 June 2026 📆
Location: Rendcomb Airfield, Gloucestershire 📍

Book your Wing Walk today: https://www.nationalstar.org/events/wing-walk-2026/

08/11/2025

Need to refresh your Moving and Handling skills?
We still have spaces available on our Moving and Handling of People Refresher course on 25 November.

This course is perfect for professionals who have previously completed Moving and Handling training and want to:

✅ Stay compliant with company policy
✅ Refresh and build confidence in best practice
✅ Update skills for new risks, tasks, or equipment in their workplace

Don't miss the chance to upskill yourself or your team.

🔗 Book your place now: https://bit.ly/47AgnLm

07/11/2025

Celebrating Our Trustees 🎉

At National Star, we are incredibly grateful for the talented and diverse group of individuals who serve on our Board of Trustees. Our trustees bring a wealth of skills and experience to help support our charity's mission. Including:

- Strategic governance and business transformation 💼
- Financial oversight and investment experience 💰
- Digital marketing & communications leadership 💻
- Care, housing, support services knowledge 🏠
- Safeguarding, quality improvement and public-service experience 🛡️
- Property and development insight 🏗️

…the value our trustees bring is far‐reaching

To each one of our trustees: thank you for your continued commitment, support and wise counsel. You enable us to deliver specialist further education, training and residential services for young adults with disabilities🌟

07/11/2025

Planning for life after college?

National Star in Hereford students, parents and carers are invited to our Life After College Transition Event at the Kindle Centre Hall on Thursday 27 November, 10.30am – 2.30pm.

This free, face-to-face event is your chance to:
- Meet a wide range of exhibitors and service providers
- Get advice from specialist organisations
- Connect with other parents and carers
- Explore options to help prepare for life beyond college

Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to plan ahead and gain confidence for the next steps.

Register your place: https://www.nationalstar.org/events/hereford-student-transition-event-life-after-college/

06/11/2025

We’re on the lookout for a dedicated and caring Lead Care and Support Worker in Hereford! 📣

From personalised care to simply being there, you will support the residents to pursue their hobbies, learn life skills such as cooking and laundry and lead a busy and active life.

Your first-class people skills will help you to lead a team of care workers, working together to provide a high standard of individualised care, promoting and encouraging our residents' personal independence.

➡️Supporting young people with complex disabilities to live their lives to the full
➡️Lead a team of care workers
➡️Provide a high standard of individualised care

Salary range: £14.42 weekdays £18.02 weekends

If you’re ready to join our fantastic team and make a real impact on the lives of people living with disabilities, this role could be for you!

Apply today: https://bit.ly/4orHa41

Are you looking for a senior care role with the potential to develop you into a future manager? Look no further than National Star in Hereford.

06/11/2025

Looking for a fun teambuilding event for you and your colleagues where you can chat and exercise at the same time?

Follow the lead of these Zumba friends from Cheltenham who have signed up to take part in our Sunrise Walk on 12 April.

The group, who meet weekly for a dance with ZumbawithNikki said the Sunrise Walk, which is on their doorstep, is the perfect opportunity to do something for their local community.

Participant Lindsay said: 'For us, this walk is a great way to put our collective energy towards a fantastic cause and give back to the community.

'We signed up because it allows us to do some tangible good while still enjoying what we love: exercising and chatting with friends!

'We know there may be moments of grimacing but many more of laughter as we'll be doing it together. Our goals is to have fun reaching that finish line, knowing that every step is raising money to support National Star.'

Discover more and sign up today https://www.nationalstar.org/events/sunrise-walk/

06/11/2025

Last night at our Ullenwood campus we enjoyed spectacular fireworks to celebrate Bonfire Night 🎆

Students, staff, and their families gathered together to enjoy the show, and what a show it was!

Thank you so much to our colleagues who worked hard to put on the display, along with those who stayed to serve refreshments to keep us warm during the show. 👏 💫