THE Kingsley Centre has hosted an event to showcase the groundbreaking work of the Kingsley Organisation.

Attending the event was East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds who was joined for the ocassion by county and district councillors, among them Andrew Joy (Alton Town), Mark Kemp-Gee (Alton Rural) and Adam Carew (Whitehill/Bordon) - there to learn about the many facets of the charity’s work.

Representatives from the Kingsley Organisation illustrated the many vital and creative services provided not only at the Kingsley Centre but also throughout the community of East Hampshire.

Established in 1987, The Kingsley Organisation has a ‘mission’ to support disabled people to pursue their ambitions by valuing each person as an individual and enabling opportunity. The charity achieves this through the twin aims of providing personal development and training opportunities with and for disabled people, and delivering services to the community in an inclusive and enabling environment.

The services operating at the Kingsley Centre include a post office, village shop, café, affordable room hire, and LINC information advice and support service. Community activities include village coffee mornings, community lunches, workshops and a parent carer support group.

The centre also hosts ballroom dancing, Pilates and drumming sessions, as well as other community group activities, and is the home of the town’s Montessori Nursery, Oakhanger Angling Club, and Kingsley Parish Council.

During her presentation Helen Dayson, chief executive of Kingsley Organisation, stressed the value of small charities, contributing to the well-being of communities through their distinctiveness, as they are often first responders, promoting inclusion and integration, creating a sense of belonging, and providing spaces where people feel safe, respected and useful.

Kingsley Organisation currently benefits from the invaluable contribution of nearly 50 volunteers, without whom much of its charitable work wouldn’t be possible. It has a dedicated and skilled staff team which often steps outside of any prescribed job description to ensure opportunities, activities and a high quality of service to both participants of the services and the community.

Ms Dayson said there were always volunteering opportunities which can be anything from being a trustee, supporting the post office, or helping at a community lunch. More recently, it was identified that the village shop would benefit from a volunteer with retail expertise who could help run this enterprise.

Another area of key importance is for local businesses to help the charity by providing work-experience placements for people on the supported-volunteering programme. This could for some become a pathway to employment.

After his visit, Mr Hinds said: “The work done by the Kingsley Organisation is extraordinary and makes such an important contribution to the lives of people with disabilities here in East Hampshire, as well as the local community.

“I hope local people are inspired to support the centre through the offer of their expertise and time, and that local businesses can see the great benefit of offering placements.”

To get involved, visit kingsleyorganisation.org.uk or call 01420 479000. Alternatively, pop into the Kingsley Centre for a cuppa and a chat.