Did you know? 

• 31% of people with disabilities live in relative poverty – that’s 50% higher than non-disabled people.
• People with disabilities are 29% less likely to find a job than people without disabilities. This is called the Disability Employment Gap.
• 51% of working-age disabled people are classed by the Government as economically inactive.
• 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.
• 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!

Newstart Hall

At Portland Charity, we’re constantly investing in innovative developments that create more opportunities for people with disabilities to grow their independence, confidence, and skills for life and work.

A major fundraising campaign has transformed our 1950s Newstart Hall into a vibrant centre of excellence for disability arts and sport. This contemporary, multi-use facility enables learners and the wider community to explore creativity, develop performance skills in a state-of-the-art theatre environment, and build sport and exercise techniques using a unique LED glass floor.

Coffee Shop

The new Coffee Shop provides learners with hands-on catering and hospitality training in a real working environment, giving them the opportunity to develop practical skills, customer service experience, and confidence in a professional setting.

It has become a welcoming space for both learners and the local community to connect and enjoy great food and drink!

Trades Centre

Our purpose-built Trades Centre offers learners a fully equipped professional workshop where they can develop practical, hands-on skills in furniture making, woodwork, and metalwork.

These experiences open the door to external work placements and future employment opportunities.

Pines Building 

We have also completed a £1.5 million redevelopment of the Pines Building, creating nine en-suite bedrooms, six independent living apartments, and a dedicated sensory room.

The modern facilities provide safe, accessible spaces that empower residents to live more independently while receiving the support they need.