Why support us
Your support matters
As well as being a national specialist college and residential care provider for people with physical and learning disabilities, Portland is also a Registered Charity, supported by our Patron, Her Majesty the Queen from 1974 to 2022.
As a charity, we rely on the generosity of people like you to help us continue developing our facilities and services, all of which benefit our young people.
In 2020, we celebrated our 70th anniversary, a milestone that reflects the lasting impact we’ve had on our communities since opening in 1950.
Did you know?
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31% of people with disabilities live in relative poverty – that’s 50% higher than non-disabled people.
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People with disabilities are 29% less likely to find a job than people without disabilities. This is called the Disability Employment Gap.
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51% of working-age disabled people are classed by the Government as economically inactive.
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In our local districts, the percentage of adults on long-term benefits linked to disability and health conditions is much higher than regional and national averages.
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People with disabilities in the UK score significantly lower on all key well-being measures.
Our specialist programmes are designed to change this picture – improving health and well-being, building independence, and developing employability skills so that people can look forward to more independent, fulfilling futures.
You can make a real difference to our learners
Be part of something brilliant!
Special Projects
As many charitable organisations adapt and evolve from the ongoing impact of COVID-19, it is more important than ever that we provide the opportunity for people with disabilities to develop their independence, health and well-being and employability.
Our new Laurels development will provide up to 35 independence flats by remodelling an existing residential block. These flats will be fully accessible and enable residents to live independently, in state-of-the-art accommodation that meets their complex needs.
Charitable donations towards this project are vital and we are looking for partners and donors who are interested in supporting this ambitious project.
To find out more, contact our Fundraising Team on 01623 499111.
An Exciting Future
We have some new and exciting projects such as a Trades Centre where learners will access furniture making, woodwork and metal work courses, with the view of securing external work placements.
Also in the pipeline are plans to reshape and expand our farm to include donkeys, heritage plants and foods.
We are expanding our Pathways, Progress and Day Services into hubs in towns centres, so more people can benefit from the Portland experience.
And we’re investing in phase 2 of the Woodland Adventure Zone, to provide a wider range of outdoor activities.
Read our 5 Year Plan
We’d love your support
Support as an individual
Challenge yourself to something new and raise money from your friends and family as support.
Support as a business
We would be thrilled to hear your ideas, and work with you to create a perfect partnership.
Support as a Volunteer
If you can spare a little bit of time, we’d love to welcome you to our volunteering team.
