History
In 1970, a small group of friends formed the Stroud and District ‘Mencap’ Homes Foundation by each person placing a five pound note on a table with the absolute intention of providing a home for adults with learning disabilities, ensuring continuity of home life with security of mind to the parents.
Months of planning followed and fundraising began in earnest, as did the search for a suitable property. The latter eventually materialised and Barn Lodge opened its doors in 1982 providing a vibrant, happy home, bustling with all the activities that any family enjoys.
Since the successful opening of Barn Lodge the charity actively sought to provide more homes and a second purpose built home named The Gables was also opened on the same site in Stroud.
Then in 1991 Cotswold Grange, three miles away in Stonehouse, was purchased expanding the provision considerably. Trustees then resumed their fundraising efforts and in 2000 the ‘millennium project’ was completed and Cotswold Court was built on the same site next door to Cotswold Grange.
Our provision was further expanded in 2012 with the building of Stone Haven at our Stroud site adjoining Barn Lodge.
More recently in October 2016 and January 2021 respectively Huddlestone and Sadlers were opened providing bespoke ground floor accommodation for service users with complex needs.
We are proud of our history and our commitment to supporting people with learning disabilities. We have an active Board of Directors (Trustees), many who have been involved in the charity since the early days. As a service provider we have seen many changes within care and support and have always had the ability and desire to adapt our provision to continue to provide excellent services whilst maintaining the family values and ethos upon which the charity was built.
What our staff say
In the years I have worked for Stroud and District Homes Foundation, I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting and working with the service users and their families.
Luke
For me to be with SDHF so long comes down to the service users, knowing you make a difference to somebody else day no matter how big or small that maybe.
Laura Bradley
What I feel makes the organisation truly amazing is their dedication to staff and service users and I have enjoyed various holidays, day trips, concerts, and events with service users over the years.
Lettie Elgharbawy
I have thoroughly been a part of the SDHF team over the last 7 years. I started as a support worker across two homes and appreciated the flexibility of the position enabling me to complete my NVQ5 at university.
Gemma Mould
Working for the company was a large part of my life which I enjoyed very much. The guys will always remain very special to me.
Julia
My colleagues have been amazing and so welcoming, I have worked in several of the homes and every home has been so different which is what I have needed.
Aston Butler
SDHFL is a wonderful organisation to work for. The commitment to the welfare of service users foremost but also staff is obvious. Working for a charity that is dedicated to enhancing the lives of vulnerable adults rather than profit focused is personally rewarding.
Kate
Working with vulnerable service users and learning how it feels to be a support worker was the best choice I ever made.
J. kirkup
I’ve built up a really good relationship with them all and I take pride in being able to come to work, knowing that I’m doing my job to the best of my ability and helping to enrich their lives.
Ami
I have spent my whole career in the health and social care sector and particularly like supporting people with learning disabilities. The job has its lighter moments and is challenging at time but I wouldn't want to work anywhere else.
Tony McGee
The Gables has been a part of my life for a very long time, I have a great rapport with the residents here. I enjoy supporting and helping them in their everyday activities.
Daryl
l am proud to be a part of an organisation that constantly seeks ways to enhance the lives of the people who lives in the homes, as well as the staff.
James Bealing
I have worked for Stroud Homes for a number of years now and really enjoy my job. No two days are the same and it is a very rewarding role.
Grace Ashton