The Fifth Trust is an award-winning charity that supports adults with learning disabilities from the age of 16.
We offer 20 different activities to 170 students across two skills centres, based in the beautiful Elham Valley near Canterbury, Kent.
We take a person-centred approach, which means shaping what we offer and the way we work around each individual. Through creative, educational and practical sessions, and rewarding work in our social enterprises, our students develop essential life skills and the confidence to make their own choices, both large and small.
This approach applies equally to our staff, who are encouraged to develop their own skills and experience across the Trust.
Most of our students are funded by Kent County Council and other local authorities, though we also welcome privately funded students.
Because of the breadth of our services, student fees alone do not cover all our essential costs. We raise extra income through our social enterprises, fundraising, and the generous support of grant-making trusts and foundations, as well as Friends of The Fifth Trust.
The Fifth Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee. It employs a chief executive officer who leads a senior management team and our staff. Trustees are unpaid and do not claim expenses.
We’re confident that we are delivering a high-quality service, but we continually monitor all that we do and explore opportunities to offer our students even more. Through our committee structure, we ensure everyone involved in the Trust has a voice.
We continue to build strong links with like-minded organisations and look for new ways to engage with our local community. This also helps us to grow our team of volunteers, who generously gift us their time.
The Fifth Trust charity was set up in 1990. We’ve been providing award-winning day care services for adults with learning disabilities ever since.
The Fifth Trust is committed to empowering people with learning disabilities while actively minimising our environmental impact. Through reviewing our practices, using local suppliers, reducing our waste and reusing where we can, we are able to take measurable steps to create a greener future.
Construction Project of the Year winner, awarded to Barham Skills Centre.
Disability & Mental Health Charity of the Year winner.
Awarded to our sensory room, recognising outstanding dedication to supporting the wellbeing of others.
Outstanding Service of the Year winner, awarded to Vineyard Café.
“Every day, we challenge our students to do and be the best that they can.”
