Current projects We have a wide range of projects that depend entirely upon voluntary income, and from a donor's point of view, offer an opportunity to support an area of our work which is of particular interest. See below for the projects we are currently seeking funding for, from trusts and foundations as well as individual donors. If you are interested in donating to any of our projects, or to find out more please email us at [email protected] Festive FUNdraiser 2023 This year our Festive FUNdraiser will be in aid of our brand-new dementia pilot project. Piloting at our residential property ‘Briars’ at Cornford Lane, this project will make the lives of the individuals we support who develop dementia more comfortable. It will allow these individuals to remain in Aspens services, surrounded by the people they know, in familiar surroundings, receiving high quality services by staff that are highly trained and qualified in the area of learning disabilities and dementia. It will also be a service that appeals to other providers, families and commissioners who are looking for a specialist provider for their family member with learning disabilities and dementia. Make a difference to the lives of the people we support here You can also support our Fesitve FUNdraiser by taking part in our online Christmas Raffle, supporting our CEO to go 'Blue for Brrriars' and buying your Christmas tree from Aspens. We have an array of fabulous prizes that you could win in our Christmas Raffle: Buy raffle tickets here On Saturday 9th December at 11am, at Aspens Bluebell Cafe, Cornford Lane, Pembury, Robbie, our brave CEO will be taking up his own personal chilly challenge that will see him sitting in a bath of ice going ‘BLUE for Briars’ to help raise monies for our Festive FUNdraiser. If you would like to sponsor him to do this freezing feat visit his fundraising page at the link below . Whilst enjoying this fun event why not pick up your Christmas Tree and enjoy a festive hot drink and cake in our Bluebell Cafe?! Support Robbie's ice bath challenge The Natural Affinity Community Project Help our community and those we support to engage more in nature and green spaces, unlocking the positive impact this can have and utilising our unique location with an area of outstanding beauty in the heart of the Kent countryside. Help us build on the legacy kick-started in 2023 with our RHS Chelsea Garden through the development of ‘Aspens Natural Affinity Community Project’. Once up and running, the project will illustrate the positive power of bringing people together through nature and the importance of inclusivity. Our vision is to take full advantage of the glorious countryside and natural features such as ponds and woodland to create: An outdoor experience for the people we support and the local community to enjoy through horticulture and animal husbandry opportunities. A space with activities for those attending our Day Opportunities and friends and families of those who live on the site. Educational workshops for visiting schools and the local community through the development of the Forest School. Whether you are able to donate £20.00 or want to join in a strategic partnership as a major donor we would love to hear from you! Support the Natural Affinity Community Project here Further information If you'd like to find out more and see how you can support this project please contact Jo Dennis at [email protected] or 07719087636. Garden makeovers for care home residents We have a number of residential care homes situated in a variety of locations across Kent and Sussex. These are homes for people who have learning disabilities, including people with behaviours of concern and physical disabilities. We plan to improve the outdoor space ensuring that this is accessible to all in some of our homes. We need to keep pace with the changing needs of our residents as they age and mobility becomes more problematic, ensuring that all residents can enjoy their garden spaces. Being outside in the fresh air, surrounded by plants and sensory items has been an enormous help to the people in our care during lockdown periods and we would like to enhance these existing areas. In addition to the hard landscaping that is needed we want to install a variety of new sensory items and fragrant planting. We strongly believe this project can help in decreasing behaviours that challenge and encourage improved relationships between residents. Both residents and staff will be involved in the design of their improved spaces, ensuring that their wishes are considered and that they are fully committed to the ongoing maintenance of their new spaces. Find out more and donate to our current gardening makeover projects for three of our residential services here: Donate to the Briars project Donate to the Ellasdale project Donate to the Robins project Please email [email protected] for further information. Manage Cookie Preferences Chat with us, powered by LiveChat