Affinity Trust

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At Affinity Trust we support over 900 people with learning disabilities across England and Scotland, helping them live as independently as possible.

Here at Affinity Trust, we are dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities to live the lives they want to. Whether helping someone to live in their own home, providing opportunities to make new friends, experience new things or gain work that is rewarding and enjoyable, Affinity Trust aims to ensure that those we support have the opportunity to live life to its fullest. Our mission a

nd values are at the core of our service. Many of the people we support have come from institutional settings and we have worked with them to transform their level of independence and often, as a result, their quality of life. Supported living is our main area of support, and we are committed to offering this model for people with learning disabilities in preference to typical residential care homes.

02/09/2026

Lovely to see this story from Team Domenica 👏

Olly joined their programme feeling nervous and excited in equal measure, and with their support, he built his confidence, developed workplace skills, and landed his dream job at Maldron Hotel Brighton

In his own words: "Without Team Domenica's support, I wouldn't be where I am today. I'm really proud of myself and my job."

Stories like Olly's are a brilliant reminder of what's possible when young people with learning disabilities and autism are given the chance to be seen for their potential, something we're passionate about too.

Well done, Olly, and great work Team Domenica. 💛

Hear more from Olly here: https://loom.ly/XMXlypg

31/08/2026

Two and a half years of standing practice, three sessions a week, 15 minutes at a time.

After hydrotherapy didn't have much success following an operation, a Physiotherapist told Sam she wouldn't have the reflex to walk anymore.

But she and her support team didn't leave it there; they asked for a second opinion, and a new physiotherapist agreed it was worth trying a new standing aid and an assessment for a walking frame. 🚶‍♀️

Session after session, Sam kept showing up - and her support workers were right there with her, cheering her on and helping her push a little further each time. Slowly, steadily, that persistence started to pay off.

Today, she walks with the help of a new frame. 😌

This is what's possible when someone has the support and belief to pursue their own goals, on their own terms.

Incredible work Sam! 💛

28/08/2026

Today is International Makaton Awareness Day 💬✨

Makaton is a way of communicating that uses signs, symbols and speech to help people communicate and understand others.

For many people with learning disabilities and communication needs, it can make a real difference, helping them express choices, share how they’re feeling and connect with others.

At Affinity Trust, we believe everyone should be supported to communicate in the way that works best for them.

Today we’re celebrating Makaton and the importance of making communication more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Together we make it possible💙

27/08/2026

Mark who we support in the Central division, turned the big 6-0 this year. 🎈

Even today, in some organisations, birthdays for people with learning disabilities are overlooked and their autonomy to celebrate how they choose disappears or doesn’t exist.

Decisions taken over, defaulted to what's easiest, or shaped by what others assume they'd like.

To us, deciding how to spend your birthday is as important as the daily choices like meals or activities.

What cake did he want? What balloons, what kind of day? Did he want to celebrate at all?

Mark knew exactly how he wanted to celebrate, and our team were committed to making it happen with him.

He celebrated with a pub lunch, balloons, and party hats alongside family and his support team. Swipe to see the cake he chose for the occasion. 🍰

It was his day, his way, and we loved being part of it. Happy 60th birthday Mark 🎉

25/08/2026

A great day out in Norwich for Ami and Jason, two members of our co-production team 🎉

With Sarah, our co-production lead, they joined the event, hosted by Opening Doors - a brilliant local user-led organisation, for a day full of workshops on:

- taking care of our teeth
- looking after pets
- staying safe online
- alongside plenty of stands, activities and new connections for our co-production and lived experience work.

This event was led entirely by people with learning disabilities, a fantastic example of what lived experience leadership looks like. 💛

Thank you to Opening Doors and everyone who took the time to chat, share information and make it such a great day. We can't wait to get more involved!

17/08/2026

Summer brings a lot of good things, but also a lot of change.

Holidays, warmer weather, altered schedules can all disrupt the routines that help people feel settled and secure.

Here are 4 simple, practical ways to build small pockets of consistency into summer, even when everything else looks different. 💛

1. Keep your meal and bedtimes consistent where you can: it offers a comforting sense of predictability.

2. Use visual schedules for changed plans: a simple picture or written timetable can make new activities feel less unpredictable.

3. Give advance notice of changes, however small.

4. Keep one familiar activity in every day: a favourite walk, show or quiet moment as a steady anchor.

Have you got any tips?

13/08/2026

"I laugh a lot more and look forward to every day."

A year ago, Garry was living alone and starting to withdraw. Some days he'd go out even when he didn't want to, just to avoid being alone in his flat.

He shared these feelings with his Support Workers, and together they found a solution: moving into a shared home with his friend.

The move itself wasn't easy. Sorting through belongings, deciding what to keep, packing up a home - it brought moments of big anxiety.

Garry wanted to do as much as he could independently, and his Support Workers backed him every step of the way, right through a long, hot moving day.

The result speaks for itself. Garry now runs a weekly "Happy Hour Club" from his home with his friends, organised by him, supported by us, with karaoke, painting, themed food days and even a "Say Something Nice" tree. 🎤 🌲

After settling in, he celebrated his 70th birthday with a limousine ride and a surprise party, and took a holiday to Blackpool for some sightseeing and even more karaoke!

It’s safe to say it’s been a big year of growth, change, and choice for Garry - and we’re so happy to see him thriving. 💛

10/08/2026

Thinking about a day out but not sure how sensory-friendly it'll be? 🌿

We've pulled together our top tips for calmer, more comfortable outings:

✅ Go early or go late: many attractions offer quiet hours before opening or after closing, with lower lights and sound.

✅ Ask about sensory bags before you arrive: ear defenders, fidget tools and visual guides are often free to borrow at museums, galleries and theme parks.

✅ Look out for relaxed screenings and performances: cinemas and theatres across the UK offer adapted showings with adjusted lighting, lower volume, and freedom to move around.

✅ Check for a sensory map or visual guide online first: many venues now show which areas are likely to be busy or noisy, so you can plan your route in advance.

For detailed accessibility information on venues across the UK, check out AccessAble 👇

🔗 www.accessable.co.uk

05/08/2026

Big congratulations are in order 🎉

Janet, one of our many amazing Support Workers, has won the Specialist and Complex Care Award at the 2026 Oxfordshire Care Awards.

We know exactly why she won. Janet's exceptional expertise in supporting people with complex needs is second to none, and she pairs that skill with immense compassion and dedication in everything she does. It's brilliant to see that combination recognised on such a big stage.

Thoroughly deserved. 👏

Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers

27/07/2026

Meet Ciara, Mencap's amazing Engagement Lead 👋

Watch as she shares what she loves doing and challenges assumptions people with learning disabilities often face.

The beauty of this is that everyone is different and has a different experience of living, and that's perfectly okay.

What myths do you bust? 💬

Address

1 St Andrew's Court, Wellington Street
Thame
OX93WT

Telephone

+441844267800

Website

https://www.affinitytrust.org/

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