I founded Always Bee You CIC in December 2019 out of the need for good quality social and work opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.
I had over 20 years experience working with a nationwide charity developing work training opportunities and delivering NVQ qualifications as well as previous experience as a trainer at Oxfam in London.
At first we opened our social club once a week but it became so popular we now have 42 hours of activities and work experience opportunities each week.
These range from Song writing courses, DJ work shops, art classes, evening social clubs, African Drumming, Day Trips to London, yoga and clubbercise and various volunteering and work training opportunities.
Attendees find lasting friendships, expressing themselves, learning new skills and finding confidence in a safe environment.
In a recent survey 100% of our attendees said Always Bee You has made a good impact on their lives and 87% said they are less lonely.
I’m so proud that we are making a difference and look forward to supporting many more adults with learning disabilities and their carers to enjoy a full life, free from isolation and discrimination and to reach their potential.
I joined the board in 2023 after volunteering at Always Bee You for three years.
I have spent most of my career working as The Director for Corporate Credit at The Walt Disney Company.
Frustrated by spending so much time at work and away from my family I decided to take early retirement.
I grew up in a council estate in London and at an early age was aware that many people had their own struggles in life.
I decided to volunteer for a homeless charity called Hands on Hands out feeding and clothing 120 homeless people in London every week. I am now a trustee and this work is so important to me because I want to know that I can make a positive difference to peoples lives.
Through serving as the chair of the board for Always Bee You I hope to contribute to the development of services enabling people with learning disabilities to improve their quality of life, maximising life chances and independence.
After volunteering at Always Bee You social club for three years I joined the board as a trustee in 2023.
I am a retired teaching support assistant and through this work I decided to learn British Sign Language.
I am also a trustee for another small charity that supports adults with visual impairment.
I love travelling and exploring different countries, traditions, cultures and cuisine and I’m a keen gardener producing my own fruit and vegetables.
Through my work and volunteering I am aware of the lack of accessible social activities and work opportunities there are available for adults with learning disabilities and would like to support Always Bee You to continue and develop services to combat loneliness and isolation and to promote independence.
Hi, my name is Amanda Aldridge, and for those in the Always Bee You gang ,I’m known as Jessica’s mum. I’m a mum to 3 girls and a nanny to 2 grandchildren. When I’m not caring for Jessica, my grandchildren, Arthur my cat, 4 chickens and a husband, I work in an infant school as a learning assistant. I love my job and have been at the same school for nearly 25 years. When I have a moment I enjoy gardening and spending time out doors.
I joined the board in 2023 to give my expertise and knowledge as a parent who understands more than most the needs of the group and their families.
My daughter Jessica will also be keen to tell us her views.
A dedicated IT and Finance professional who worked for a fortune 500 company for 42 years, in many different capacities, including:
I have extensive knowledge of Finance and associated systems along with a detailed working understanding of Company processes, solutions, and applications. I am a team leader with considerable experience in managing and handling global teams