Charity Number 1156536 r GO ablin Learnin Impact Report 2024-25
A Year in Numbers
600+ 200+ 20k Volunteer ParaPB Raised Hours Given Participants Locally
2940 Magazines Delivered
236 Walk and Talks
121 Members
85
In-person Group Sessions Delivered at the The ARC
41 Online Group Sessions Delivered on Zoom
33 Tai Chi Sessions Delivered on Zoom
32 Volunteers
9 Go Socials Delivered
8 Summer Trips Delivered
2024/25
Our Vision
Adults with learning disabilities are confident, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Our Mission
To empower adults with learning disabilities by building confidence, creating connections, recognising strengths, promoting well-being, and supporting their goals for the future.
I had a fantastic evening collecting the Mayor of Winchester Community Award for Go LD. - Katie A (Member)
Chairman Jamie Guerrier
This year has been both challenging and rewarding for Winchester Go LD. I’m incredibly proud of our staff, volunteers, supporters, and members, all of whom have stepped up with positivity and resilience.
In September, we welcomed our new CEO, Ben Hogbin, whose experience, enthusiasm, and vision are helping us evolve and strengthen our mission. I’m also grateful to our dedicated office team for their continued passion and adaptability.
A huge thank you to our volunteers, supporters, and Trustees, whose time and commitment make our work possible.
While we’ve made great progress, challenges remain—particularly around funding in an increasingly difficult climate. We are actively exploring options to ensure long-term sustainability and continued support for our community.
Thank you all for your ongoing support.
I was able to witness so much care, good humour and fun at your AGM . - Russell Gordon (The Mayor of Winchester)
CEO Ben Hogbin
Since joining Winchester Go LD in late September, I have been inspired by the dedication of our team, volunteers, and members. Over the past few months, we have continued to strengthen our mission of empowering adults with learning disabilities by building confidence, creating connections, and promoting independence.
Our GoME pilot programme has made a real impact, equipping participants with essential life skills. Feedback has been positive, with many reporting increased confidence and engagement. Meanwhile, our Drop-in sessions and Go Socials remain vital spaces for social interaction and peer support, with activities like pottery painting, movie nights, and theatre trips bringing members together.
We have built on our health and well-being initiatives, working with Winchester Boxing and Everyone Active to offer tailored fitness sessions. However, funding remains a key challenge, despite the incredible efforts of our fundraising committee, who consistently raise £20,000 annually. We are actively exploring new funding opportunities to ensure long-term sustainability.
Looking ahead, our focus is on refining our services, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing programme sustainability. I am grateful for the continued support from our trustees, volunteers, and community, and I look forward to building on our progress together.
hl S$TITY I go to Drop-ins because it’s relaxing and you get to do crafts with my friends. - David (Member)
The ARC
The ARC in Winchester, located in the heart of the city, is a safe and welcoming space where members can meet friends, relax, have fun, and access support as needed.
On Tuesdays (2:30–3:30 pm), we host a Drop-in for creative arts and crafts. On Fridays (12-1pm), our Lunch session offers a chance to play games and socialise with friends.
Crafts at Tuesday Drop-in
Board Games at Friday Lunch
I love the summer trips as it’s a great chance to go to new places and make new friends. - James (Member)
James
James sometimes finds relationships challenging. Together, we explored his own and others' behaviours and triggers, using this understanding to develop better communication strategies and boundaries. As a result, he is now more confident in making positive choices.
James also leads a very busy life, which can sometimes affect his well-being. We worked together to recognise the impact of overcommitting and identify when he is taking on too much. He prioritised the activities most important to him and let go of others that were less essential.
We also collaborated with his support network and activity facilitators to ensure he remained included. Now, he is actively working on maintaining a balanced schedule, making choices that support his happiness and well-being.
2940
Magazines Delivered
In the Community
Our members have delivered 2,940 Winchester Magazines, sold Go LD merchandise at the Makers Market, and watered flowers weekly at Winchester Train Station. These activities boost confidence, enhance social skills, and foster a strong sense of community while promoting physical activity and engagement.
Selling Merchandise at Cobbs at Winchester
Selling Merchandise at the Makers Market
Watering Flowers at Winchester Train Station
Go LD are really nice and have supported me a lot. I know that I can ask for help from them if I need it. - Peter (Member)
Peter
Peter has had a challenging year. He experienced the end of his employment, a house move, and a cycling accident, all of which required support. This included exploring options, making plans, reporting benefit changes, and effectively communicating his needs and wishes.
We worked closely with Peter, his mum, and other agencies to ensure he received the support he needed. He is now settled in his new home and recovering well. Once he regains full fitness, we will revisit his goals and support his return to work.
Along the way, we identified gaps in his support and have referred him to adult services to address his unmet needs.
I look forward to going to boxing every week as it helps keep me fit and healthy. - James (Member)
Health & Well-being
To promote health and well-being in the LD community, we've partnered with Winchester Boxing and Everyone Active to run weekly boxing sessions and low-level circuits at the leisure centre. Additionally, with the help of volunteers, we offer weekly Walk & Talks, an online fitness class, and Tai Chi to support overall wellness.
Nature WalkLow Level Circuits
Sam (Member) & Evi (Volunteer) on a Walk & Talk
Tour of the new St Clement’s Surgery
This fantastic inclusive event, which puts accessibility right at the heart of its ethos. - C llr Kathleen Becker - Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Engagement
Para PBs
Inspired by the success of the 2012 London Paralympic Games, the Para PBs has been held annually, celebrating ability and inclusion in a sport. The Mayor of Winchester Bringing communities across Hampshire together, the event ' celebrates ability and promotes inclusion in sport by removing barriers and making activities fun for everyone. This year’s event concluded with an awards ceremony, with the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith, presenting medals to participants in recognition of their achievements.
The Go LD team have helped me find appropriate services and understand my needs very well. - Charlie (Member)
Charlie
Charlie has taken time to reflect on what he wants from services, activities, and friendships, recognising that some weren’t working for him. As a result, he has made positive changes, exploring new activities he was unsure about. He is now a regular at boxing and actively helps with gardening our flower boxes.
He has also benefited from the referrals we made and the support to persevere with them. Additionally, Charlie is participating in our Go Me pilot programme, further building his confidence and independence.
I like the Go Socials because you can meet new people and go to new places. - Sarah (Member)
h 22 Average Attendance
Go Socials
Go Socials provide a fun and relaxed way for members to connect and enjoy activities together!
We meet on the last Thursday of each month and have planned exciting events, including drinks at the pub, pottery painting, a meal at Nando’s, movie night, nature walk, BBQ, lantern walk, and a trip to the theatre.
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Visit to the Pub
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Nature Walk
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I really like the set-up and the 4 main ingredients - the Go LD team! - Ros (Member)
Go ME Pilot
This new 12-week programme features interactive sessions with discussions and activities, with individuals partnered with a staff member or volunteer for support throughout their journey. The aim is to empower members with the skills and confidence to:
Connect and get to know other members Recognise their own strengths Understand what keeps them well Identify their support network Share and work towards their goals for the future
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My favourite trip was going to the seaside as it was so much fun! - Ben (Member)
22 Average Attendance
Summer Trips
Summer trips provide members with an opportunity to visit new places and experiences new environments whilst having lots of fun with friends!
The activities take place in July and August and have included days out to the Beach, Crazy Golf, Alpacas, Sports Day, Picnic and Marwell Zoo.
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Winchester Train Station
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Crazy Golf
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I volunteer and fundraise to give back, make a difference, and support a cause - close to my heart. Ros (Volunteer)
~ 20k Raised Locally
Fundraising
Over the past 12 months, our fundraising committee has worked tirelessly to organise four fantastic events: a Garden and Craft Fair, a Bridge Tea, a Concert, and a Quiz Night. These events not only provided financial support but also created opportunities for members to connect, have fun, and support our cause. We are incredibly grateful to the committee and everyone who contributed their time and effort to make these events a success.
The Garden & Craft Fair
Smoothie Bike
Bridge Tea
What you see is what you get, lots of smiles & fun! - Jo (Volunteer)
Volunteers
A special thank you to all our wonderful volunteers! Your time, energy, and dedication are invaluable to us, and we are incredibly grateful for the positive impact you make in the lives of our members. We couldn’t do it without you!
Join our amazing team of volunteers! Whether you can give a few hours or ongoing support, your time makes a real difference.
Pottery Painting with the Mayor of Winchester
Supporters A huge thank you to all our incredible supporters for your generosity and commitment to our work! Your support makes a real difference to our members.
RESERVES POLICY
To sustain its activities and in line with the Charities Commission’s recommendations, Winchester Go LD has designated a base reserve of unrestricted funds of six months operating costs.
The unrestricted funds above the reserve can be spent by the Trustees to meet its aims and objectives. Restricted income funds are only spent only for the particular purpose set out by the donor.
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Barclays Winchester Go LD 20-97-01 63630056
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Your support changes lives!
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