A Herefordshire charity has launched ambitious plans to support more local young people with special education needs and disabilities.

Currently celebrating its 10th anniversary of providing specialist education, therapy and support in Hereford, National Star opened the Eveson Centre at Ledbury Road in 2020, designed to provide the specialist environment to meet the increasingly complex needs of learners.

In just four years, the number of young people attending National Star has grown by 50 per cent. In response, the charity has launched a £450,000 appeal to expand its facilities to meet the growing need.

The charity wants to build a two-storey extension. The expansion project will include two new classrooms, two additional personal care rooms, a multi-skills kitchen and communal space, also making improvements to the existing main building. The construction project will cost £685,000.

National Star has already received some generous gifts and pledges of support from individuals, trusts and foundations towards its fundraising target. Current student Heather Lewis helped the charity launch the appeal at a special open evening. Among those attending was the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, the Mayor of Hereford, and members of Herefordshire Council. 

With her confidence and independence levels blossoming, Heather is thoroughly enjoying her work placement at Blackmarston School. Her dream is to get a job working with children in education and to live on her own one day.

Sasha Narey, provision manager at National Star in Hereford, said: “The Eveson Centre is a wonderful place thanks to the amazing students we have such as Heather."

“Our growth shows the incredible need in Hereford. These new facilities will enable us to support more young people and be able to adapt to meet their needs. We passionately believe that the young people of Hereford are worth investing in, but we need your help to make that happen.

“By supporting our appeal, you will be building a brighter future for the county’s young people with disabilities and that will make our county an even better place to live.”

For more information please visit: www.nationalstar.org/support-us/capital-appeals/building-a-brighter-future-hereford-appeal/ or contact Tessa Watson: twatson@nationalstar.org