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Members Celebrate 15 Years of Allsorts at our AGM Party

With 2024 marking our 15th Anniversary, this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) had a real celebratory atmosphere. The event took place on Sunday 13th October at Stonehouse Court Community Centre. We welcomed new and long-standing families to reflect on the last 15 years and to talk about what the future holds. The children were entertained with a silent disco, craft table and a sensory room. Thank you to the 16 families, trustees, volunteers and staff members who joined us for the afternoon.

One member, Jo Bell, kindly shared some memories of when she first came to Allsorts, when her son was a baby. 

I had John in a pushchair, and I nervously wheeled him round the corner of the hall. Clare said: ‘Of course you’re supposed to be here!’ and I immediately felt at home

We chatted to Jo Bell recently in our podcast series, Allsorts of Conversations, where Jo joined us to talk about her journey with Allsorts. Click here to hear more about Jo’s story.

During the meeting our Head of Development talked about the remarkable progress we’ve made since we were founded in 2009. Allsorts has expanded services and staff team, hit record numbers of families and people attending activities, launched a trading arm and offered countless projects for a wide range of children, young people and parent carers.

Rosa said “We’ve learnt so much as a team and will continue to learn and develop alongside members but there is still so much more to be done.

“Hundreds, if not thousands of families in Gloucestershire are looking for a place where they belong, where they are celebrated for who they are and can have their needs met. Our new strategy aims to help close the gap and provide even more for more families in a strategic and sustainable way.

“6 months into our new strategy we have already progressed things well – and equally found some elements challenging. With many charities struggling financially there’s increased demand for private and public funding. For us, this means closely monitoring income and balancing our provision accordingly.”

New Home Initiative
  • We’ve been gathering information, consulting with professionals, and preparing a comprehensive business case along with budget projections to support this initiative. Although we don’t plan to go public with details anytime soon, we will keep members updated on our progress.
  • Our primary challenge is balancing the demands of our existing fundraising efforts and core programs alongside this new project.
Expanding Opportunities to Connect
  • We recently welcomed Kate Rodman as our Head of Families. She has introduced a new initiative called ‘Caring Calls,’ aimed at connecting with new members and helping them overcome potential barriers.
  • We’ve also launched a new outreach project, ‘Allsorts Pop-Ups,’ to reach members outside of Stroud. The long-term goal is to embed support groups into communities that can continue independently once funding for Pop-Ups ends.
  • Our Parent Carer Workshops are now underway and have been received positively.
  • If funding permits, we would love to establish a befriending service to help newer members connect with more experienced ones.
  • Staffing and logistical challenges, such as transporting items across the county, are some of the hurdles we face.
Breaking Down Barriers
  • This is a major focus of our member survey, which aims to identify the key challenges so we can allocate resources and expertise to address them.
  • We’re working on providing more tailored activities for small groups of members.
  • To increase accessibility, we are creating short video clips of each activity for our website.
  • We have scheduled team training on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and a review of our communication resources is also underway.
  • We’re exploring ways to improve the booking process for high-demand activities.
  • Challenges include addressing the evolving needs of our members and collecting feedback – our member survey has seen a decline in engagement. Many barriers relate to accessible venues, which we are unable to address unless we have our own venue.
Staying Flexible to Meet Changing Needs
  • We have added new members to our fundraising and digital teams, which is helping to drive progress in both areas.
  • We’re focusing on increasing YuGo business to generate additional income.
  • Challenges include the increasing difficulty of fundraising and a growing membership base. It’s hard to attract funding without a major new vision or announcement to share with potential funders.

Our Fundraising Manager, Rachael also gave an update on fundraising challenges and appealed to members to support in any way they can.

“We rely on grants, trusts, and donations to fund our programme of activities and support groups. This year our target is £583,000 and with only a small fundraising team, we need lots of support to reach it. There’s lots of ways to get involved from promoting events to donating unwanted Christmas gifts. Every little action helps make a big difference!”

Ways to get involved :

  • Volunteer your time with us – direct to website for details
  • Promote our events, or put up a poster – e-news, website, social media for details
  • Share and comment our appeals and fundraising events on social media
  • Host a donation barrel at your workplace or ask a local pub, shop you regular visit if they would like to support us.
  • Spread the word—talk about Allsorts with friends, family, and colleagues
  • Google review -help improve out rating but giving us a great google review.
  • Christmas approaching -any unwanted gifts, please send them to us for raffle/tombola prizes.
  • And if you can, ask your employer about:
  • A give-as-you-earn scheme
  • Partnering with Allsorts as their “charity of the year”
  • Or, whether they offer a funded “make-a-difference” volunteer day
  • Team building day – take part in a local event inflatable 5km Cheltenham, Stroud Half Marathon, Tough Mudder

If you would like to chat to the team about any of the suggestions above or anything else, then please do get in touch.

Here’s to many more years of fun and accessible experiences for everyone!


Vintage Heaven Fair – Saturday 16th November


Are you a fan of all things vintage, sustainable and unique? Then mark your calendar for Saturday 16th November, as Vintage Heaven is back at The Organic Farm Shop in Cirencester.

From 10am-4pm you can explore a beautiful selection of vintage, recycled and reclaimed homewards, clothing and textiles. By attending and shopping at Vintage Heaven, you’re helping to raise funds for Allsorts!

Profits from the event will be split between us and the amazing organisation The Farm Project. Vintage Heaven is organised by Emma Sutton, one of our members, who has a passion for vintage items and also supporting the community.

Key Details

  • Saturday 16th November, 10am-4pm
  • Free admission
  • At The Organic Farm Shop, Burford Road, Cirencester – GL7 5HF

We look forward to seeing you there!

Vintage Heaven poster 2
Vintage Heaven poster 2
Vintage Fair Pic
Vintage Fair Pic
Vintage Fair Pic

Join us for a Glorious Gloucestershire Quiz Night at Stroud Book Festival!

Are you ready to put your local knowledge to the test while supporting a wonderful cause? Look no further! Stroud Book Festival is thrilled to invite you to an exciting Glorious Gloucestershire Quiz Night in aid of Allsorts.

Event Details:

  • Wednesday 6th November – 7pm
  • The Subscription Rooms, Stroud
  • Teams of up to 8 people

Hosted by the popular Mark Cummings, a BBC Radio Gloucestershire legend and author, this promises to be an evening filled with friendly competition and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of children with disabilities in Gloucestershire.

This quiz night isn’t just about showing off your trivia skills – it’s a fantastic fundraising opportunity. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting children with disabilities in our local community, making it a fun way to give back.

Either bring your own team of up to eight friends, family members or colleagues, or come as an individual and join up with a team on the night.

There will be prizes and plenty of fun throughout the evening and we can’t wait to see you there!


Gaming Club hosts special Coding Session

At Allsorts, we are committed to creating inclusive and exciting experiences for children and young people with additional needs.

Allsorts Gaming Club which runs fortnightly at our Activity Hub, is a popular activity where participants can connect, play games and learn valuable social skills.

Recently, we were delighted to host a special coding session, thanks to a group of volunteers from a local Science, Tchnology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) network. The event was great and allowed our members to explore fun, new technology in a relaxed environment.

From virtual reality headsets to drones and robotic cars, the young gamers had the chance to try out different interactive technology.

Rod, a volunteer with the STEM group, said: “The idea is to get children familiar with technology.

“It’s a chance for the youngsters to play with things they might not be able to afford or have access to themselves.

“At a young age, this could spark an interest in STEM subjects like maths, technology and engineering.”

The virtual reality headsets allowed participants to experience different environments – from the deep sea, to the moon’s surface – while the drones provided an exciting experience as they zipped around the room.

While the coding session was a special session, Gaming Club has always been about more than just playing video games. The club provides a space for young people to socialise, form friendships and develop important skills like turn-taking.

Tom, one of our long-time volunteers, said: “We have a variety of games and consoles, and people move around and play different games.

“The idea is to get them communicating with each other and forming friendship. It’s great to see some of the children come in more excited each time and actively seek out others to play with.”

Participants can choose to play alone or team up with others for group games and competitions. For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, there’s always the option to relax on bean bags and watch others play.

Neil, whose 13-year-old son Ewan has been attending the club since 2019, said:

“Ewan loves it because he gets to see his two friends – this is the only time they really get to socialise as they go to separate schools now.

“When it’s the coding session, he loves the drones and VR, but it’s really all about the gaming for him.

“The club has also been an incredible support for us as a family, helping us navigate things like SEND school applications.”

Tracey, the lead volunteer from the STEM network, said: “Allsorts is a bit special because of the different learning styles we see here.

“It’s wonderful to watch the children light up as they engage with the technology and discover new skills.”

We look forward to welcoming more young people to Gaming Club in the future, where they can enjoy the games the love while exploring new interests like coding.

Whether it’s forming friendships, playing a new game, or learning how to fly a drone, there’s something for everyone at Gaming Club.


WIN with our Charity Auction!

We’re raising vital funds with a special Charity Auction to celebrate two big Stroud charity anniversaries this year. Allsorts celebrates its 15th birthday and Home-Start is celebrating its 25th birthday in 2024.

A Luxury Weekend, a Spa Session, Food, Wine and MORE
Bidding opens 9am on Monday 21st October until 9pm on Monday 28th October

Allsorts and Home-Start Charity Auction

Introducing the Allsorts and Home-Start Charity Auction 2024

Show your support for two Stroud Charities as we raise vital funds to support our work.

Allsorts

Celebrating 15 years in 2024.

Providing family trips, sports and fitness, parent/carer support, a positive and caring community, fun and friendship.

Allsorts charity logo

Home-Start

Celebrating 25 years in 2024.

Supporting parents with children under five years of age who are going through challenging times.

Home-Start Charity

Help us raise funds with nineteen special lots

Good luck!

Online Auction Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to the online auction hosted by Home-Start Stroud and Gloucester in collaboration with Allsorts (“we”, “us”, “our”). By participating in the auction, you (“Bidder”) agree to the following terms.

  1. Eligibility
    1.1 Bidders must be at least 18 years old to participate in the auction.
    1.2 The auction is open to residents of the UK only. Items will not be shipped outside the UK unless otherwise specified.
    1.3 Contracted members of staff of Home-Start Stroud and Gloucester or Allsorts are not eligible to participate in the auction.
  2. Auction Period
    2.1 The auction will begin on 21st Oct 2024 at 9am and end on 28th Oct at 9pm (“Auction Period”).
  3. Bidding Process
    3.1 Bids must be placed via the auction software, Jumblebee.
    3.2 Each bid is considered binding. By placing a bid, you commit to purchasing the item if you are the highest bidder at the end of the auction.
    3.3 Bidders will be notified via email if they win an item.
  4. Payment Terms
    4.1 Winning bidders must complete payment within 72 hours of receiving the winning notification.
    4.2 Payments are made via the auction software, Jumblebee.
    4.3 If payment is not received within the specified timeframe, the auction organizers reserve the right to offer the item to the next highest bidder or relist the item.
  5. Item Description and Condition
    5.1 All items are described as accurately as possible based on the information provided by donors.
    5.2 Items are sold “as is” and are non-refundable.
    5.3 No warranties or guarantees are provided for auction items unless explicitly stated.
  6. Shipping and Collection
    6.1 Shipping costs are the responsibility of the winning bidder unless otherwise specified in the item description.
    6.2 Items will be shipped within 7 business days of receiving payment.
    6.3 Local collection may be available for certain items. Bidders will be notified if this option applies.
  7. Returns and Refunds
    7.1 All sales are final. No returns, refunds, or exchanges will be accepted.
    7.2 If an item arrives damaged, the winning bidder must notify us within 48 hours of receipt, and we will work with you to resolve the issue on a case-by-case basis.
  8. Liability
    8.1 Home-Start Stroud and Gloucester and Allsorts are not liable for any delays in delivery, lost or damaged items during transit, or any issues related to third-party sellers.
    8.2 We are not responsible for any misrepresentation of items made by third-party donors.
  9. Dispute Resolution
    9.1 In the event of any disputes arising from the auction, parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter amicably.
  10. Data Protection and Privacy
    10.1 By participating in the auction, you agree that we may collect, store, and use your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws (e.g., GDPR).
    10.2 We will not share your personal data with third parties unless required to complete the auction transaction (e.g., for shipping).
  11. Auction Changes and Cancellation
    11.1 We reserve the right to modify these T&Cs or cancel the auction at any time without prior notice.
    11.2 In the event of errors or fraudulent activity, we reserve the right to void any bids or auction results.
  12. Contact Information
    12.1 For any questions or concerns regarding the auction, please contact us at [email protected]

Allsorts named finalist for ‘Charity of the Year’ at So Glos Business Awards 2024!

We are humbled to share that Allsorts has been shortlisted as a finalist for the ‘Charity of the Year’ category in the prestigious So Glos Gloucestershire Business Awards 2024!

After a rigorous selection process and several rounds of judging, we are proud to stand as finalists among inspiring charities like Move More, Pied Piper Appeal, and Young Gloucestershire.

This is the second So Glos awards night of the year, following their successful Lifestyle Awards held in May, where Allsorts had the honour of winning in two categories.

Jane Jones and Rosa Barratt smiling as they collect the SoGlos awards
Allsorts’ Jane Jones and Rosa Barratt at the SoGlos Lifestyle Awards 2024

The awards aim to recognise businesses and charities that make a significant positive impact on the local community, and this year’s ceremony will take place at Hartpury College on Thursday, 17 October.

Our nomination for the Charity of the Year award focuses on our ambitious efforts to make health and fitness more accessible across Gloucestershire, in collaboration with our incredible delivery partner, YuGo.

Together, we are working to ensure that individuals of all abilities have access to the health and wellbeing support they need, and this recognition highlights the importance of this work.

Allsorts’ Head of Development, Rosa Barratt, said: “We are incredibly honoured to be named as a finalist for Charity of the Year. Working with YuGo, we have seen first-hand the positive impact that accessible health and fitness opportunities can have on people’s lives.

“This nomination is a testament to the dedication of our team and the support we receive from the local community. We can’t wait to celebrate with the other amazing charities at the awards!”

The event, sponsored by headline co-partners Hazelwoods and Willans LLP Solicitors, with Nimble supporting the Charity of the Year category, promises to be a celebration of the achievements and hard work of businesses and charities across Gloucestershire.

We would like to extend our congratulations to all of the finalists, especially the other charities, for their outstanding contributions to our community.


Allsorts awarded grant by BBC Children in Need

We are thrilled to announce that Allsorts has been awarded £45,000 over a three-year period (£15,000 a year), by BBC Children in Need.

This incredible support will fund Allsorts Pop-Ups, our new Outreach Programme designed to positively impact the lives of children and young people with additional needs across Gloucestershire.

Each term, we will be visiting an area for ten weeks with a selection of staff, games and equipment. The first of our BBC Children in Need funded play sessions begins next week in Slimbridge, with additional locations to be announced soon.

Slimbridge Pop-Up sessions will run every Thursday evening from 10th October to 19th Decembe, with 30 sessions in total planned for the year across different venues.

Slimbridge Pop-Up Details:

  • Thursday evenings, starting on Thursday 10th October
  • 3:30pm – 5:30pm
  • Slimbridge Village Hall, St Johns Road, Slimbidge – GL2 7DF

Each session costs just £3.00 for a family ticket. The Pop-Ups are ideal for children aged 5-8-years-old, but siblings of any age are welcome to join.

Why Pop-Ups matter?

These sessions provide a safe, welcoming environment where children can play and meet new friends while their parents and carers connect with others in similar situatios.

Supported by Allsorts’ experienced team, families will enjoy a stress-free atmosphere with refreshments like coffee, tea, squash and snacks for the children towards the end of the session.

65% of families caring for disabled children reported feeling isolated frequently or all the time (Contact a Family, Forgotten Families, 2011), so having accessible play opportunities like our Pop-Ups is vital for ensuring that young people with additional needs can engage in fun experiences.

Allsorts’ Head of Development, Rosa Barratt, said: “We could not reach out to the young people in Gloucestershire without the support of BBC Children in Need. This grant will go on to change the lives of so many young people and give them the support they need.”

About BBC Children in Need

BBC Children in Need aims to ensure every child in the UK has a safe and happy childhood with the chance to reach their full potential. The charity currently supports over 2,500 projects across the UK, helping children and young people facing a range of challenges, including poverty, disability and trauma.

For more information, visit the BBC Children in Need website. BBC Children in Need – Registered charity in England and Wales (802052) and Scotland (SC039557)


Join the Allsorts Craft-15 Challenge!

As part of our 15th anniversary celebrations, we’re excited to launch Challenge 15 – a new fundraiser designed to help us continue our work for another 15 years.

Challenge 15 is simple – set yourself a challenge based on the number 15! One of the most exciting ways to get involved is through our Craft-15 Challenge!

We’re inviting local individuals, businesses and community groups to make 15 Christmas themed items to donate for sale at local goodwill events. Whether it’s knitting, crochet, sewing, or woodcraft, all festive creations are welcome.

These handmade items will help us raise essential funds and spread awareness about our mission to support families with disabled children.

Need some inspiration? Visit our Pinterest page for a host of craft ideas to get you started! Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, there’s something for everyone.

We’ll be at the Stroud Goodwill event in the Five Valleys Shopping Centre on 6th December 4:30pm-8:30pm, where we’ll be spreading awareness about Allsorts and selling your kindly donated crafts! We’ll also be set up in the Brunel Mall from 11am-2pm on 14th December and 11am-3pm on 20th December.

How to get involved:

  • Get together with your craft group, or go solo, and craft 15 Christmas-themed decorations, ornaments or gift items.
  • Donate your finished crafts to Allsorts by 15th November – we’ll have donation drop-offs on 8th, 11th & 22nd November at our Hub from 11am-4pm.
  • Spread the word! Share our Challenge 15 appeal with friends and colleagues, or display a Craft-15 poster in your workplace or community hub. You can download the poster here!

By taking part in Craft-15, you’re not just making festive items, you’re making a real difference. Every donation helps Allsorts provide much-needed support to young people with additional needs.

Allsorts’ Community and Events Fundraiser, Julie Sarahs, said: “Craft-15 is a wonderful way for the community to come together and support local families. Each handmade item is a generous gift, crafted with care, and will go a long way in helping us raise funds during this special anniversary year!”

Thank you for being part of our journey. Let’s make this 15th anniversary year unforgettable – one craft at a time!

For more details about Challenge 15 and crafting, please contact [email protected].


Charity Pub Quiz – The George Inn, Newmarket

Update: Thank you to The George Inn for hosting a brilliant Charity Quiz in support of Allsorts. The evening raised an amazing £89.

We’re looking forward to The George Inn Charity Quiz on Wednesday, 18th September. This quiz is in aid of Allsorts as a charity, with the event run by The George Inn. Thank you to pub manager Anna-Marie for her support!

Entry is £2 per person, with a maximum of six people per quiz team. Please call The George Inn on 01453 833228 to enter your team and order food. Pizzas are available for half-time break but these must be pre-ordered by 6pm.

Thank you for your support!

  • Wednesday, 18th September – 8pm
  • The George Inn, Newmarket Rd, Nailsworth – GL6 0RF
  • £2 per person, max six per team
  • Call 01453 833228 to book

Families have ‘an amazing day’ as they visit Weston-super-Mare on Allsorts outing

Over 50 members recently joined us on the beach at Weston-super-Mare for a fantastic Allsorts family trip. The families had bucket loads of fun at the seaside town, with some brilliant sandcastles on display in the summer sun. Our amazing team of support workers were also on hand to provide that extra pair of hands when needed, to help everyone have a great time.

Members had the option of travelling down to Weston on a coach with other families and Allsorts staff, or alternatively making their own way there. The day was completely open to families for them to enjoy in whichever way they wished, with members encouraged to explore the town, while having the reassurance of the Allsorts staff and other families being set up on the beach for support.

It was great to see our young people have a brilliant time playing various games on the beach with Allsorts staff , before sitting down to enjoy a picnic lunch together. Several members also enjoyed strolling along the seafront with an ice cream and visiting the famous grand pier.

It’s been really nice, an amazing day – everyone is so friendly and helpful.

Jessie’s been playing in the sand with other children, having a great time and I’ve used the opportunity to chat to other parents.

I’d definitely recommend Allsorts and their family trips to other families, because they’re very fun and inclusive.

Fleur, mum of Jessie 8