Change of Scene objectives are to make a life changing difference for disadvantaged children. Our attendees, aged 6-18 years from Surrey & Hampshire display a wide range of complex learning, social, emotional and/or behavioural difficulties causing them to be unable to access learning; many have been excluded from schools, are in short term provision, or are currently not on a school role. We work on a 1:1 basis at our 16 acre small holding in a tranquil South Farnham valley giving the children the vital support and attention they need. The children care for a wide range of animals from reptiles to alpacas. They work in the vegetable patch and polytunnel raising plants and harvesting fruit & veg; they milk the goat and make yoghurt and cheese; they do baking, make jams and chutneys; carpentry; extract & bottle honey; gather wood; repair animal houses, fences & hives; and help around the grounds. It is not a jolly day out. They work really hard in all weathers but they do also have times of rest and play.

The children gain strength through nature and an appreciation that their regular input and care makes a worthwhile contribution. The whole experience engenders calm, self-confidence, a belief in a promising future; that they can create positive outcomes for themselves. These experiences and the learning of new skills translate into the children and young people going back into education with a sense of life purpose.

The Medical Cadet Training Corps provides an environment where young people can learn, practice, focus, enjoy, feel safe and develop leadership skills in the following subjects, Military knowledge of the field gun, Physical fitness, social skills and extensive first aid training, we are also keen on teaching cadets ethical decision making and providing help to the community. The MCTC is able to reach at-risk young people and offer much needed care and support. For these aspirations to become reality however, it is essential that the MCTC is seen to be firmly rooted within the life of the wider community, and supported by all organisations, businesses, charities, schools, the local authority and anyone that is there to support children in our community, and that wherever possible, young people are provided with the opportunity to participate in the life of that community. Through the programmes, activities and ethos of the MCTC, the officers and instructors guide and support young people and act as mentors and role models in their personal, social and physical development. The programmes that the MCTC provides will create opportunity for the young people to develop into mature and responsible adults who will play an important role within their communities and wider society.

regards

I Clarke (MCTC CEO and Commandant)

We work with people with physical and learning disabilities or acquired brain injuries to gain new skills and increase independence.  Whether it’s learning everyday life skills, rebuilding a life affected by brain injury, acquiring the skills to drive a specially adapted car or training for future employment, we support disabled people to achieve goals for life.

Shooting Star Children's Hospices is a leading children’s hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

Whether lives are measured in days, weeks, months or years, we are here to make every moment count. We support families from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care.

Our bespoke support is free of charge to families and available 365 days a year. Our care service includes short breaks at our two hospices (Shooting Star House in Hampton and Christopher’s in Guildford), Hospice at Home, day care, symptom management, end-of-life care, bereavement care and a comprehensive range of therapies and support groups for the whole family.

It costs £10 million a year just to maintain our current level of care and, with around 10% of our income coming from government funding, we rely on our supporters’ generosity to keep the service running. What’s more, we know there are many more families desperate for our vital support, so it’s crucial we raise more funds to provide more care.

We have volunteer opportunities at our hospices and at our shops.   Volunteers roles are very varied and include working in reception, kitchens, housekeeping, gardening, pool watching, admin, fundraising, shops and at our events.

We aim to reduce landfill by collecting and selling donated goods. We provide support and development for volunteers on "back to work" programmes and we provide low cost goods to help those on low income.