Lynette’s welcome

Every young adult, with the right support, can make a difference to their community. At National Star we are passionate about enabling young adults with disabilities to be active citizens and lead fulfilling lives.

For some young people, they may improve the lives of those they live with by showing kindness and support. Others may make a difference to their community by giving their time as a volunteer or having a paid job. Some may become mentors, speaking up for their peers who do not have a voice.

At National Star, our wide range of learning programmes are tailored for the individual.

Therapists, care staff and education teams work together to enable students to achieve their aspirations.

That team effort also includes the generous businesses, individuals and organisations who raise funds for us so that we have the right environment to enable students to succeed.

Employers provide valuable placements that allow students to get practical experience which helps them go on to paid work. Thanks to those employers, 100 per cent of our work-based students at Greensteps in Cheltenham benefitted from external work experience last year. Through their support, 75 per cent of those students who left

National Star in July 2025 went into paid work while the remaining 25 per cent gained regular voluntary hours with the possibility of paid work in the future. Thanks to those employers, these young adults have achieved their dreams – to be earning their own money and to be contributing to society.

Enabling more young adults with disabilities to recognise their potential and lead fulfilling lives is at the heart of our ambitions. I am delighted to report that we have doubled the number of students enrolled in our joint specialist provision at The Heart of Worcestershire College in Worcester. This autumn students moved into the new extension at National Star in Hereford. The additional space will enable us to support more young people in the county.

There is also an incredible need for our support beyond college. That is why we are expanding our respite breaks, which not only provide young adults with the opportunity to be independent and socialise with peers, but also enables carers and families to have a much-needed break.

Thank you to all those who have supported and continue to support, National Star. You are an incredibly important part of the team and together we can make our society a place where every person is valued.

Lynette Barrett Chief Executive, National Star