Charity of the Year

They decided to use the family farm to create a new opportunity to enrich the lives of people with Autism, Learning Disabilities, or both. Little Gate Farm consists of 46 acres of pasture and ancient woodland in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to the Little Gate Work Training Centre. It is here that individuals gain real employment skills in various areas including catering, horticulture, woodland skills, and land management. These transferrable skills are all incredibly beneficial, and the aim is that they will assist in the individual’s journey into paid work through Supported Employment.

In the last decade, Little Gate has steadily grown, and the organisation now also provides Supported Work Training, Supported Apprenticeship and Supported Employment opportunities for adults – intending to help them find paid employment and a brighter future.

In addition, Little Gate supports the parents of their trainees through a Parent Forum and runs a fun-filled Little Gate Rangers youth scheme for those aged 8 and upwards. They meet at weekends and in school holidays throughout the year. They spend their days enjoying arts and crafts, animals, treasure hunts, building dens and simply playing in the great outdoors. Claire and David’s daughter Evie attended the Young Rangers scheme herself for many years and absolutely thrived there.

Like so many parents of children with Autism, Learning Disabilities or both, Little Gate Founders Claire and David became increasingly aware of the ‘cliff edge’ they were facing, caused by the lack of aspirational provision after the age of 19. Identifying a gap in available services for individuals like Evie, Little Gate has collaborated with the local authority to establish a new and innovative educational institution – Little Gate College.

Catering to young people aged 16-24 with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who aspire to secure paid employment, Little Gate College, based at The Pelham in Bexhill, introduces two specialised study programmes: Future Ready and Supported Internships.

Future Ready: Learning for Life and Employment is an immersive 4-day per week curriculum designed for individuals who wish to explore the world of paid employment but might lack relevant work experience. Aiming to equip students with essential skills for success in the workforce, this programme focuses on comprehensive personal and professional growth.

For students who have acquired a taste of the professional world through prior work experience or voluntary work, the Supported Internships programme is an ideal 4-day per-week option. This programme assists participants in honing their abilities, gaining practical experience, and confidently transitioning into paid employment.

Excitedly, Evie herself is enrolled in the Future Ready course at Little Gate College which promises to open a wealth of opportunities for her and countless others, opportunities that would have remained out of reach without Little Gate’s incredible efforts.

Little Gate College opened its doors in September 2024, with the organisation demonstrating unwavering dedication to providing inclusive, high-quality education ensuring that individuals like Evie can aspire to and unlock their fullest potential and achieve their career aspirations. With the promise of brighter futures on the horizon, the launch of Little Gate College sets a new standard in education, bridging the gap between special needs and meaningful employment opportunities.

For more information on our Charity of the Year, or if you are an employer who may be interested in partnering with Little Gate by offering a work experience placement or hosting an intern, click here.