A very special place Since 1981
Sheppard House, our inclusive day center, invites people of all ages to participate in various activities, use therapeutic facilities, and receive care and nourishment from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Located conveniently at the top of Gloucester Road, just off Onslow Road, the building is thoughtfully designed for individuals with mobility challenges.
In addition to Sheppard House, we run Newent Community Transport (formerly Newent Dial A Ride) and a Charity Shop in Newent Town Centre. As a community-driven charity, we offer services at fair prices, made possible by voluntary contributions, Charity Shop profits, and dedicated volunteers. Their commitment is crucial to Sheppard House’s success.
Trudie Sheppard, along with family and friends, began Fundraising efforts that, supported by local donations and Charitable Trusts, led to purchasing specially adapted vehicles. Today, our fleet boasts 22 vehicles. The journey started with a small club for people with disabilities at the Newent Community Centre and grew into Sheppard House, completed in 1994. In 2007, we expanded to include two bathing suites, a therapy room, and a reminiscence area.
The UK has an aging population, with this trend notable in rural areas: In the Forest of Dean, 48.2% of residents are 50 or older (around 43,230 people). Over 22 million people aged over 50 in England represent 37.8% of the population.
Many older individuals maintai independence, with about one in six providing informal care to loved ones. With an aging population, an 8.8% increase by 2033 will boost demand for key services.
Dementia in people over 65 is projected to rise by 70% by 2030, alongside increasing long-term health conditions. By planning support, we aim to empower our senior community, fostering independence and well-being among local people.
Come, Â Join usÂ
Newent Association for the Disabled
Founded by Trudie Sheppard MBE, herself disabled.
Sheppard House was completed
From a small disabled club held in the local Community Centre in Newent the need grew and Trudie’s second project was to raise funds to build a purpose built Centre.
Building & Service Extension
An extension was added which has two bathing suites and a therapy room, and recently a reminiscence area has been added.Â
Upgraded Personal Care
During 2012 we installed a purpose built shower to enable our clients to also have an assisted shower.
Newent Association for the Disabled’s mission is to:
- Offer older people and people with disabilities a range of services to help improve their quality of life
- Pioneer innovative and creative responses to meeting the needs of older people and people with disabilities.
- Offer high quality services which meet the specific needs of older people and people with disabilities
Service Standards
We will ensure as far as is practicable that we offer a consistently high quality service which meets Day Care Standards (developed at Sheppard House) for delivery, planning, process, person centred services and client involvement.
In the 30+ years we have been in existence we have welcomed clients from all ages, with all types of disability, and some who have no disability at all but who come to take advantage of the wide range of activities and opportunities for social interaction we offer!!
Sheppard house’s opening ceremony
Image Oposite: (from left to right) HRH Birgitte Duchess of Gloucester, Sir Henry William George Elwes (former Lord lieutenant of Gloucester), Trudie Sheppard MBE (founder)
Aims | We will work towards:
- The provision of high quality direct services to older and disabled people in the North Forest Area
- Providing a gold class community transport service through our fleet of mini buses and volunteer car drivers
- Responding to the needs of older people from the different communities in the catchment area
- Creating an effective and efficient organisation with sufficient income to sustain and develop our essential services that all stakeholders are committed to.
