Parkside is a registered charity based in Aldershot that provides support services for children and adults with learning disabilities living in the local area, covering both Hampshire and Surrey. The charity was founded in 1963 by a group of parents who realised that the support for families who had children with special needs was limited. The premise next to the park on the Guildford Road was bui
lt, and the first playgroup was started (affectionately known as the Peter Pan Club). The playgroup remained at Parkside until 1993 when this "nursery class" was moved to the Grange Special School in Aldershot. Following the Grange's closure, the class was relocated to Henry Tyndale School in Farnborough. On the 25th January 1995, our support worker scheme was formally launched, providing support initially to adults but then later to both adults and children. Since then, Parkside has strived to fulfil the need for more services and has gone from strength to strength. Parkside’s Aim as a charity is to give both children and adults the opportunity to develop their individual skills and to take part in activities within the local community. Needs can vary from requiring support to socialise with friends, to participating in leisure activities, meeting new people, to developing life skills and providing respite for other family members. By reaching out into the community, Parkside aims to develop and strengthen its links with local people and organisations, creating opportunities for everyone to become involved and included.
