About us

ABOUT THE NEW BLENDWORTH CENTRE

The New Blendworth Centre is a day provision for post 19 year old people with varying degrees of learning difficulties/disabilities. The Centre offers its Service Users a work orientated placement in a semi-sheltered environment, situated in the village of Horndean in Hampshire. The Centre aims to develop and support individual goals, encourage friendships, raise self-esteem and promote confidence and independence. Referrals for placement at the Centre can be made through either your local social services office or by contacting the Centre direct.

Within the Centre grounds there is a small nursery outlet with many poly tunnels and potting sheds which facilitates the service users activities. From seed sowing, plant cuttings, potting on, cleaning stock and generally keeping the nursery and its display areas clean and tidy, makes for a busy day at the Centre. The end product of these on-site activities can be purchased by the general public in our nursery shop.

Out-reach contractual work ranging from small gardens to larger grounds maintenance is carried out by a small team under the supervision of a member of staff.

We also deliver leaflets in the Horndean and Clanfield Parish Council’s when we are required to do so.

OUR HISTORY

1986

Mencap closed their centre at Blendworth. A group of parents and supporters took on the challenge to start a new facility – The New Blendworth Centre. The group including Mike Martin, Dick Edwards, Joe Mardel, Nan Goddard, Jean Stanhope and many other supporters set to work. There was only one permanent building on the site, which at this time was leased to them by the Murray Trust, so the task was immense.

1987

The Group paid £50 for a redundant and rotting building from HMS Colling wood which was dismantled and transported to the site at Blendworth where the group rebuilt it, refurbishing as they went. That building, which with the passage of time, has deteriorated badly is what we want to replace.

1987 – 1990

The group fought tooth and nail during this period having minimal income from Dept of Education, plant sales and a small amount of Garden maintenance. The main income was from the fund raising from the group who enjoyed a good level of support from the local community and businesses. It was a tough time with employees not always being paid on time and making use of whatever could be reclaimed and reused. They lived hand to mouth.

1990

This was a landmark year when social services started to fund new attendees at the Centre but not the existing attendees which came later.

1997

This became a milestone year when the Centre had the opportunity to purchase the land from the Murray Trust. The land cost £9000 and was bought using a loan of £5000 from the Horndean Parish Council and significant further fundraising effort.

1997- 2024

During this period the Centre has been developed and expanded to the position today with over 40 special need adult attendees and a turnover of £400,000.

“Kelly Has been attending The New Blendworth Center for the past 15 years. During that time we have seen Kelly become more confident in what she does, much happier and become more outgoing. She has made many friends over the years and enjoys seeing them at Blendworth. She is very proud that she attends the Blendworth Centre and trust the staff which supports her whilst being in a safe working environment.

As her parents we have always been confident of that New Blendworth Centre is a safe and supportive for Kelly. The New Blendworth offers support to our daughter which is hard to find in the community at this present time. Over the years I have spoken to many people who know and use the `Center and have alway have had a positive feedback.”