Shaftesbury

13/12/2025

Retired teacher John has been on a long road to recovery since suffering a cardiac arrest and suspected stroke in April 2024. His brain injury meant he struggled with speech, memory and dealing with emotions.

After six weeks in hospital, John was referred to Shaftesbury Icanho – our highly specialised rehabilitation service.

Over a period of nine months, he underwent a comprehensive programme of therapy and psychological support. John’s wife Heather and their three adult daughters also benefited from counselling sessions as part of our holistic approach.

Prior to his brain injury, John had been lecturing part-time at the Ipswich Institute. Believing this was key to his recovery, Shaftesbury Icanho set him the goal of delivering a presentation at the Institute. “It really helped me feel myself again” he says.

Link in comments

12/12/2025

When teaching assistant Cara awoke with a dead arm, she never imagined she’d suffered a stroke that left her with a lasting brain injury.

With a demanding job and school age daughters to take care of, Shaftesbury supported her to overcome not only the physical disability, but the longer-term emotional impact.

Read Cara’s story on our website to find out how she benefited from our holistic approach to rehabilitation, including family counselling and a phased return to work.

https://orlo.uk/ULQoO

11/12/2025

People supported at Shaftesbury Anvil House in Essex enjoyed a trial cookery session with occupational therapy service, @‌Sport for Confidence. The service is piloting a new scheme promoting good health through accessible cooking courses so members of the Shaftesbury community were more than happy to take part!

10/12/2025

Christmas is a time for opening doors, but they are often closed to people with disabilities. Shaftesbury works to change this, and you can join us – and double your impact.

This December, we are raising funds to open the doors to Talbot Manor, a fully accessible home for people with disabilities in Bournemouth. Every donation up to £20,000 will be matched, bringing us closer to providing a home where future residents can flourish.

Donate now:

09/12/2025

On 4 December two Shaftesbury fundraisers, Paula and Megan, took part in Santa in the City – a five kilometere walk and run around London, clad in a five-piece Santa outfit! 🎅 🎄

Paula and Megan smashed their fundraising targets, so we want to say a huge thanks to them both for their efforts.

The funds they raised will help people with disabilities to live a life that adds up for them.

If you’d like to learn more about our work, please visit https://orlo.uk/uNyeO

08/12/2025

Veasna (V) loves everything about Christmas and was thrilled to be part of our Opening Doors campaign.

Abandoned as a baby in Cambodia and arriving in the UK as a refugee at two, V has faced huge barriers. Living with Cerebral palsy and using a wheelchair, he was often overlooked or ignored.

Since moving to Shaftesbury Ashley Place, his life has been transformed. V feels independent, listened to and able to enjoy the things he loves – from meeting friends to following martial arts and building Lego.

Read V’s full story [Link in comments below]

07/12/2025

Fast route. Big views. Amazing impact.

The Edinburgh Marathon Festival returns, and you can run in support of !

On 24 May 2026 you can take on the marathon or half-marathon. On 23 May you have 5k and 10k options.

With flat, fast course potential and jaw-dropping scenery along the Edinburgh + East Lothian coast, it’s perfect for first timers or PB seekers.

Register before 12 January.

Let’s make every step count. 💚👉 https://orlo.uk/Tqm29

06/12/2025

When Matthew lost his mobility and speech after a sudden accident, he also lost his ability to be independent. But what he didn’t lose was his role as a father.

With support from Shaftesbury Ashley Place, Matthew was able to ensure his right to stay connected with his children and make decisions about their care.

Today, with support from Shaftesbury, Matthew is able to keep the door open that allows him to continue to have an active, close relationship with his children. They even wear matching Christmas outfits!

https://orlo.uk/W6gsc

05/12/2025

As today is International Volunteer Day, we want to acknowledge the seven volunteers from Good Gym Norwich, who braved the cold and damp to paint fences and spruce up the outside space at Shaftesbury John Grooms Court.

The group combine running or cycling with supporting local charities as a productive and rewarding way to get fit. Amazing team effort in difficult conditions!

We’re sincerely grateful to all our volunteers, whose time and effort makes an incredible difference to people with disabilities.

04/12/2025

Music isn’t just something we listen to in the background – it can be a lifeline. 🎵

For many people with disabilities, making music offers a powerful way to express themselves, build confidence and feel truly heard. That’s why projects like Orc Lab are so important. They support people with disabilities to create their own music, explore new sounds and share their creativity with the world.

We’re proud to shine a light on this incredible work and the difference it makes every day.

🎬 Watch the video to see how London Philharmonic Orchestra
is helping people unlock their musical potential and why access to music matters so much:

Website: https://www.lpo.org.ukYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/londonphilharmonicorchestraFacebook: http://facebook.com/londonphilharmonicorchestraInstagram...

03/12/2025

In honour of we wanted you to meet Bert (Shaftesbury North Wales).

Bert has many things that make up his life sum. From a trip to the barbers, to getting a fish and chips, it is the simple days like this reminds us how meaningful the small things in life can be. Bert’s happiness is a joy to see!

02/12/2025

Matthew was a sociable, hard-working family man until a tragic accident changed everything. Since moving to Shaftesbury Ashley Place, he’s been able to spend more time with his beloved daughters.

It's what Matthew treasures most after losing his mobility and independence.

By supporting our Christmas campaign, you’ll help open doors to people like Matthew, who are facing unimaginable challenges due to an acquired disability.

http://shaftesburygroup.org/opening-doors