Changes at the top
It’s an exciting time of change at National Star. Having worked at National Star for more than 20 years, most recently as Chief Operations Officer, I know first–hand the difference that supporters like you make to young people’s lives through your fundraising and financial generosity. Thank you.
As the charity’s new Chief Executive, taking over from David Ellis, I am excited to be leading an organisation whose work not only impacts the lives of the young people we support but extends to their families.
Luke’s story
Luke’s story of growing independence as a result of him living at Bradbury Gardens has had a dramatic impact on the quality of his life and that of his family. This is even more impressive when you discover that as a child he spent time in a children’s hospice as the medical teams didn’t think Luke could recover from severe damage to his liver.
Medical advances mean that more young people with disabilities like Luke are surviving against the odds to live fulfilling lives, making their own choices and doing the things that other young people may often take for granted.
Building a brighter future
National Star students have complex disabilities and high medical needs. Their dreams and aspirations are still the same as other young people their age. They should not miss out on the opportunity to learn and develop new skills and have a variety of enriching experiences. That is why, as a charity, we are committed to building a new specialist residential student facility at Ullenwood to accommodate 12 young people who have high support needs.
We urgently need to replace older facilities in Gloucester. Whilst ideally suited to the students we supported when it opened 21 years ago, today’s learners have much more complex disabilities and require very high levels of support, specialist therapies and medical care.
Caring around the clock
Our highly specialist team of 30 nurses work closely with therapists and other care staff to support students. Without their help many students would not maintain health and wellbeing, allowing them to thrive and have the quality of life they do today.
Go Far and Be A Star
Could you ‘Go Far and Be a Star’ for National Star to help us reach our £1.5m Building a Brighter Future Appeal target? So far you have helped raise over £920,000.
Every single donation is deeply appreciated. With your support we will be able to welcome students through the doors of this new residence in September 2023.
Support National Star
Like other organisations, rising inflation has hit us hard. Our electricity costs at Ullenwood alone have risen to an anticipated £800,000 a year in 2023 and catering costs are also spiralling week–on–week. As a consequence, we have less money to buy specialist equipment to support students and residents to live their lives as independently as possible.
We know the cost of living crisis is hitting families hard this winter, but anything that you can do to support our charity will be much appreciated. Help us touch more lives. Thank you.
Lynette Barrett
