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Welcome to The Simon Trust. As a parent of a disabled child, I am fully aware of the heart-ache that is involved in bringing up a child who is "different". One not only has to deal with the day-to-day challenges, strain and isolation that it brings, but also the constant battle to obtain the care and provision that one's child so desperately needs. One such battle is the provision of a home for these children when they become adults, especially a home that will be near enough for their own families to remain part of their lives. The Simon Trust was created to address this challenge. |
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Sally Lawrence
Chair |
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In 2015 we found a perfect six-acre site in Alfold, near Cranleigh, and presented a proposal to Surrey County Council to build ten homes for severely autistic young people whose families reside in Surrey. Surrey County Council bought the site and have since developed Linden Farm, a purpose-built new development for adults with severe autism and complex needs - the first of its kind in Surrey!
The residents moved in during the autumn of 2019 and the Charity's role with all our fund-raising activities is to provide equipment, facilities and resources, to enhance and personalise Linden Farm for its residents. These "essential extras" will significantly add to their quality of life, and the notable purchases so far include a state of the art sensory room, a large shed for bicycle and gardening equipment, a 380 metre cycle track, a wonderful and fruitful Allotment, landscaping shrubs and considerable arts, crafts, electrical and musical equipment. It has been an honour to be able to help set up this worthy charity and provide for these vulnerable young adults, and give support to their families. What was once just a dream and a vision is now coming to fruition, thanks to the tremendous support of my family, our friends and generous donors. More work however is still needed to make Linden Farm a centre of excellence for autism, with a close liaison needed between Surrey CC, Choice Care and The Simon Trust. Thank you for taking the time to explore this website and discover more about The Simon Trust. I sincerely hope you will feel inspired by the work and fund-raising carried out so far and would like to become more involved with our charity. If so, please do get in touch via our Contact page. Sally Lawrence Chairman |
LATEST NEWS
March 2023
Finding somewhere to live .... If you have recently read an article about finding somewhere for your young adult to live, then please email thesimontrust.org@gmail.com for more details. Carol Singing 2022 Christmas revellers gathered together one cold evening to sing carols in The Sands, near Farnham and raised £164.91 for The Simon Trust. Thank you villagers for your generosity and kind support. Bike Track After a long delay, a much needed 400 metre track has now been built at Linden Farm. A wonderful facility that has been financed by The Simon Trust. See News page for more Cookery Room New units and a kitchen worktop have been installed in the Cookery Room which will provide much needed work space for the young people to improve their cookery skills. See News page for more Community Meeting A meeting was held in June in Alfold Church Hall, with about 20 local people attending. See News page for more |
