DAME HANNAH'S BUYS SEALE HAYNE

Leading West Country charity, Dame Hannah Rogers Trust has now completed the process to purchase the former University of Plymouth campus at Seale Hayn, Newton Abbot.

This dramatic development is part of a strategic plan to develop one of the West Country`s favourite charities into a national organisation. Bronwen Hewitt, Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, CEO, said, `It gives us great pleasure to know that we will be continuing the proud tradition of education and excellence at Seale Hayne; we will be creating a unique community for young people with physical disabilities and for young people with learning disabilities.

Recognised as a leader in providing education, care, medical and therapies to children and young people with physical disabilities in the UK, the Dame Hannah`s team is using their proven experience to create amazing plans for the development of Seale Hayne. These include creating a vibrant space which will have a wide variety of activities including a centre for the arts in the South West, day services, a small farm, assistive technology unit, training and conference centre, shops, outreach services, respite services, short breaks and holidays.

Given the team`s success with the recording facility in Hannahwood, the Trust`s young adult provision at the Ivybridge site, a new recording studio and practice rooms will be created with special emphasis on providing first class facilities for West Country based musicians.

`We really want to involve the local community in all that we are planning`, Hewitt added. `We hope that people will want to get involved in helping get this innovative project off the ground to help create a centre of excellence at Seale Hayne, be it in volunteering or raising funds for us.`

Bronwen Hewitt said, `The purchase and development of Seale Hayne continues the long tradition of innovation and forward thinking at Dame Hannah`s. We are determined that young and older disabled people should enjoy life to the full in the same way that we all wish to.`

Dame Hannah`s has had enormous support from the local business community in this purchase particularly Martin Berkein and Plymouth University, Peter Symons of Stags Estate Agents ,Totnes, Paul Wilmot and Handelsbanken, Teignbridge District Council, Parkhurst Hill, Matthew Smith and Foot Anstey, Ros James & Mike Plant, Walker Lapthorne, Andy Butcher and Andy Hayllor. The Trustees of Dame Hannah`s have supported this project from its conception recognising that Seale Hayne will enable Dame Hannah`s to offer groundbreaking services for the inspiring children and adults that they work with.

Dame Hannah`s important work at Ivybridge will continue and the new Seale Hayne development will also operate under the governance of Dame Hannah`s. Consultant paediatrician, Dr Geoff Perham has been appointed as the new chair of Trustees. Dr Perham takes over from Diane Hockin who is retiring after generously giving of her time both as a Trustee and chair of Trustees for five years. Bronwen Hewitt added, `We would like to take this opportunity to thank Diane for her commitment and forward thinking during her time with us.`

In providing a rationale for embarking on a project of the size of Seale Hayne, Bronwen Hewitt said, `Young people and adults with disabilities desperately need something like this. `Hannahs-Seale Hayne` will provide a wonderful opportunity to help them live, learn, thrive and partake in experiences which will enrich their lives.`