East Sussex charity Little Gate has taken an office in High Weald House on the Bexhill Enterprise Park to support its continuing expansion.

Little Gate raises aspirations for local adults with learning difficulties or autism through work training, supported apprenticeships and supported employment – helping them find paid jobs as a means to greater fulfilment and independence. The charity also runs Young Rangers, a holiday club for children and young people with autism and learning disabilities.

The charity was set up in 2013 by Claire Cordell – mother of Evie, a young woman with a learning disability – on her family farm: 46 acres of pasture and ancient woodland in Beckley, near Rye. Claire was acutely aware of the difficulties young people with learning difficulties face as they reach adulthood and was determined to do what she could to help.

Due to celebrate its tenth birthday this year, the charity has grown rapidly. It now has 80 employees and works with employers throughout the Rother and Hastings area including the De La Warr Pavilion, the Conquest Hospital, Littlewoods Fencing and Glyne Gap Nursery.

With a focus on roles in hospitality and catering, office and administration, woodland management, horticulture and animal care, more than 100 local people are now in paid employment thanks to its programmes. See this video for more on Little Gate’s work.

 

Little Gate trainee Patrick

Whilst the charity’s work training is delivered on its farm, it has expanded to the point where it now needs an office for its 20 job coaches as well as its fundraisers and HR team to work and meet.

The charity’s management team looked at several options in the local area and chose High Weald House as the most suitable.

Andrea Randall-Smith (pictured), Little Gate CEO, explained:

“High Weald House is perfect for us. The location is great as we’re increasingly working with employers in the Bexhill area, and we simply love the building. It’s modern, light and airy and has good meeting facilities.

“It also has a friendly receptionist, and we immediately knew it would be an ideal place for us to welcome visitors – especially the local employers we’re working with.”

Little Gate is always looking for volunteers, job coaches and organisations to take part in its supported employment programmes.

Anyone interested in finding out more should email info@littlegate.org.uk.

About High Weald House

High Weald House is a 25,674 sq ft building over three floors. It stands in the southwestern part of our Bexhill Enterprise Park next to Glovers House and near the Combe Valley Way roundabout.

Offices within the building are available to let from 620 sq ft upwards, suiting small, medium and large organisations.

High Weald House has a light-filled atrium incorporating meeting areas and tea points, designed to encourage the tenants to mix and collaborate. It has ample on-site parking and is an energy-efficient building — with an EPC rating of A(21) — making the most of daylight and natural ventilation.

Anyone interested in viewing the offices should contact one of our agents: