Coronavirus: Chichester-based charity for adults with learning disabilities to close its day services

The Aldingbourne Trust, which is based in Blackmill Lane, Chichester, said its Aldingbourne Country Centre service would be closed ‘until further notice’ as part of efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

Michelle McKinley Bell, Head of Enterprise and Development, said: “In accordance with the latest government guidance regarding social distancing in order to slow the spread of Covid-19 (formally known as Coronavirus) the Aldingbourne Trust have regretfully taken the decision to close our day services including Aldingbourne Country Centre, Number 73 and Make in Portsmouth to the public as of today until further notice.

“As a result we are cancelling our planned Mother’s Day and Easter events - the safety of our staff, people we support, volunteers and members of the public remains our priority.

“We appreciate the impact this could have on the people we support and we are working closely with individuals and their families to minimise social isolation.

“We are planning to operate a Support line for people to call in for advice, we will be phoning people regularly to check in and will be maintaining our social media sites and posting content and encouraging people to interact.

“We would like to reassure anyone who has already booked for one of our pre-paid events that we will be in contact shortly to arrange a refund and would like to thank those of you that have kindly donated your pre-paid monies to our charity.

“Your continued support is appreciated.

“We appreciate these are very uncertain times, we will continue to circulate communications via our social media platforms and website.

“I would like to reiterate our priority is to ensure the safety of the people we support, our volunteers, staff and visitors and we will be responding to the Government Guidance as it becomes available and we will update you regularly as the situation develops.”

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