Sunnyside Rural Trust

Established in 1990 and Based in Berkhamsted - Hertfordshire, our purpose is to provide a range of day activities and training to adults with learning difficulties. With the amount of members reaching over 50 and still increasing, our organisation is constantly growing. Some of these clients travelling over a 25 mile radius to come and be part of our support programme.

Our aim is to offer our client group stimulating activities and support in order to enhance their personal development and improve their quality of life. Our clients have differing levels of ability and needs, and we are able to offer them individual programmes to help them achieve as much as they are able, at a pace.

We are constantly broadening the range of opportunities, skills and projects for our service users, from horticultural courses, to pack testing qualifications. Our current range of support includes:

Accredited training in horticulture
The chance to grow and maintain flowers, edible produce, plants etc
To maintain the conservation areas and ensure the environment is allowed to flourish
To develop interests in woodwork, craft, art, and other creative activities
To experience the world of work and gain valuable employability skills
To develop their life skills e.g. cookery, IT, numeracy and literacy
Community based work e.g. litter pick, planting flower beds for local councils and schools etc
Producing our local apple juice made from our own orchards
And so much more..................

The majority of our funding comes from ongoing contracts with Hertfordshire County Council. We also receive private funding to sponsor individuals, and some funds come from other Charitable Trusts. We regularly apply for grants to assist us with the development of our sites and other resources. Each year, clients enjoy participating in a sponsored walk to raise funds for their summer outing, and we engage in local fundraising activities.

Investors in people

Our commitment to providing a quality service, through supporting and developing our staff team to the highest standards was endorsed in the Spring of 2005, when we were awarded the nationally recognised 'Investor in People' status by Hertfordshire Business Link.