Building a Brighter Future: how gifts in Wills make it possible

Every gift left in a Will to National Star, regardless of its size, has the power to transform lives.  

One such gift helped us take a significant step forward. A legacy donation became the catalyst for our major capital project to build specialist accommodation in 2022.  

In 2023 we opened Scott and Bradbury House, a fully accessible student residence at Ullenwood that has transformed the lives of the young people living in it.  

Since opening two years ago, more than twenty-four students have called Scott and Bradbury House their ‘home from home.’  

Each young person has been able to grow in confidence and independence thanks to thoughtful design and smart technology woven into every aspect of their residential environment. From automated lighting and curtains that help structure morning routines, to digital reminders that support daily schedules, technology has empowered students to take greater control of their lives.  

Fully accessible communal lounges and kitchens with height-adjustable worktops and adaptive cooking equipment has meant every resident can take part in activities many of us take for granted, such as preparing meals or sharing a sociable evening with friends.  

Last year, three students from Scott and Bradbury House left National Star to begin the next chapter of their lives. Living in this specialist environment allowed them to develop life skills: socialising in the communal lounges, enjoying private space in their ensuite rooms. These experiences were limited in their previous student residence, Elizabeth House, a four-storey residence with narrow corridors and limited communal areas.  

One young man, Jaspar, who experienced living in both Elizabeth House and Scott and Bradbury House, summed it up perfectly. Using his Augmentative and Alternative communication device, he told us: ‘Scott and Bradbury House is like my home. I have my friends round. The technology is a lifesaver. It makes me more independent.’  

This wouldn’t be possible without the kindness of those who remembered National Star in their Wills – people like you.  

These thoughtful donations enable us to plan confidently for the future and invest in the development of specialist facilities and accommodation. Such enhancements create life-changing opportunities for young adults with disabilities who access our tailored programmes.  

Leaving a gift in your Will helps us to keep our promise to be there for young adults with complex disabilities today, and for generations to come. In return, we promise your gift will be used wisely, cost-effectively, and where it will make the greatest difference. Together, we can continue building brighter futures.