New Directions is an inspiring, vibrant, local charity that supports people with learning disabilities and their families and carers to lead a full and valued life and works in a real partnership with them.

The charity was established in 1951 by local parents of children with learning disabilities who wanted to see improved services and facilities for their families and we are very proud of our community roots.

HOW DO WE DO WHAT WE DO?

We support each individual in a person centred way with flexible, responsive, tailored plans designed to empower people to reach their potential and achieve their goals and wishes. We are regulated and registered by the Care Quality Commission and we offer the highest quality of service.

Services range from supporting a person in their own home and in other community settings to  providing our own range of accommodation options. We offer short breaks, independent living skills training, residential support, day activities, leisure groups and support with managing personal budgets, transport services, volunteering, finding work or a place to live.

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

Our work is grounded in the belief that everyone has the right to a good and full life, living in a home that they like, with a network of family and friends, to be involved in activities, volunteering or work within their community that is important to them.

WHAT DO WE OFFER PEOPLE?

We provide a wide range of high quality, flexible, support services that enables people to live as independently as possible in a place they choose and also supports them to:

  • Develop their independence, social skills and confidence so they can go out, enjoy meeting new people, try new activities and be active members of their communities
  • Promote their self respect, individuality and dignity
  • Plan for now and for the future so they can have the kind of life they want
  • Improve their health and well being
  • Develop their capacity to make their own decisions and choices and to pursue their own desires
  • Educate and help communities to welcome people with learning disabilities
  • Keep safe from bullying, neglect or abuse.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your individual needs or those of your family and how we can support you, please contact us.

OUR VALUES:

CHOICE

INDEPENDENCE

EQUALITY

New Directions has been caring for adults with learning difficulties in the Rugby Community for over 65 years.

During the 1950’s it was created as a respite service by the parents of children with a learning disability.

With hard work, incredible dedication and belief in making a difference, our team at New Directions are proud of what they have achieved.

  • In the 1950’s a respite service was created by parents of children with a learning disability who relentlessly fundraised to cover costs (see photo above)
  • In 1963 Rugby Mencap was founded
  • By 1991 we had grown to the point where we became a charitable limited company
  • By 1997 the company owned four homes providing care for 42 residents
  • 2005 saw us diversifying into Home Care to support individuals’ changing needs
  • In 2006 the company changed its name to New Directions
  • In 2007 our Day Activities Centre opened at our Richmond Lodge site
  • In 2008 our Sensory Room opened offering a multi-sensory experience to local people with a learning disability of all ages
  • In 2010 we began our new building development, Milner House, which opened in June 2011 to provide modern ground floor short stay and respite accommodation to benefit a wide range of people
  • In 2012 we opened Community Choices Network in Tom Brown Street, Rugby, providing flexible support and activities for people with learning disabilities
  • In 2013 Gateway Court & Park Lane supported living accommodation for 20 tenants was officially opened by HRH Earl of Wessex
  • In 2015 our day activities service, Community Choices Network (CCN) moved to newly refurbished premises at The Exchange, Albert Street, Rugby where we also opened a new community space offering rooms suitable for a variety of uses for hire to the local community
  • In January 2016 we opened Poppy Place, our new purpose built residential home for people with learning and physical disabilities
  • In 2016 we took over the management of Lennon Court in Rugby, providing support to 26 more people including other services
  • In 2017 our new development, Richmond Court opened providing 11 x 1 bedroom flats with a communal lounge and garden
  • In 2019 our new development, Kings Court opened providing 13 x 1 bedroom flats conveniently situated to access town centre amenities and CCN
  • In June 2020 our new development, Queens Court opened providing 15 x 1 bedroom flats conveniently situated to access town centre amenities and CCN
  • In 2020 we managed an unprecedented global pandemic with Covid-19 coronavirus and the national lockdowns that followed
  • In November 2023 our purpose built wheelchair accessible 10 bed residential home, Daisy Court, for people with learning and physical disabilities including those with higher needs was registered with CQC.

As a country we are still not out of the woods, we are however now moving from crisis management into a period of stability and reflection over the past four months or so and we are now beginning to plan for a brighter future.

Paul Tolley

CEO, New Directions Rugby Ltd

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