Certitude

06/10/2026

This Black History Month UK, we'll be recognising and celebrating the contributions, achievements, and experiences of our Black colleagues and people we support.

It's an opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate culture and heritage, and reflect on the role we all play in creating an organisation where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to be themselves.

We'll also be bringing colleagues together for our annual Black History Month celebration event, delivered in partnership with the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Together, we'll be exploring the important role that community, culture, and heritage play in supporting wellbeing.

The month also connects closely to our new Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, which reinforces our commitment to building a culture of belonging. We want Certitude to be a place where people from different backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences come together around a shared purpose: supporting people to live the lives they want. By listening to different perspectives and ensuring every voice is heard, we can create a stronger and more inclusive organisation.

Through colleague networks, including our Intercultural Network, colleagues can connect, share experiences, celebrate culture, and help shape positive change across Certitude.

Together, we're creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. To find out more visit our website: https://certitude.org.uk/work-with-us/diversity-and-inclusion

30/09/2026

Social care was at the heart of Andy Burnham's speech yesterday.

We welcome the commitment to a National Care Service and the recognition of the skill, compassion and dedication that support workers bring every day. Too often, their contribution goes unseen, despite the vital role they play in supporting people to live the life they want.

While improving support for older people is important, a National Care Service must also reflect the needs, rights, and aspirations of people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

This is an opportunity to build a system that starts with people: their strengths, goals and what matters most to them. A system that supports choice, independence, and belonging in our communities.

Social care reform will only succeed if it is backed by proper funding and a valued workforce. Support workers are at the heart of great support, and any Fair Pay Agreement must be fully funded.

As the Casey Commission continues its work, including through The Big Conversation on Care, we encourage people who draw on support, families, carers and colleagues to share their experiences and ideas. The future of social care should be shaped by the people who use it.

We look forward to being part of the conversation about how a National Care Service can help create a future where everyone has the support they need to live a gloriously ordinary life. That gives us hope.

28/09/2026

Only 48 hours to apply for the 2027 Brighton Marathon!

Join Team Certitude for the 2027 Brighton Marathon and help people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and people with mental health support needs live the life they want. We're looking for passionate fundraisers who can raise at least £500 to support our work.

📅 Marathon date: 4 April 2027
📝 Application deadline: 30 September 2026

Ready for a challenge with purpose: https://certitude.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-challenges/brighton-marathon

11/09/2026

Supporting people means supporting the relationships that matter most.

Our Family Support Team helps strengthen relationships, build trust and improve communication between families, people we support and colleagues. Whether it's navigating challenges, supporting conversations or offering practical guidance, the team helps to ensure that people remain at the centre of every decision.

Through our regular Time for Families online sessions, families can connect with others, share experiences, hear from guest speakers and help shape how we work.

To find out more about the support available: https://certitude.org.uk/what-we-do/family-support

Our Family Support team offers advice, support and information to families and carers of people we support.

07/09/2026

Your chance to shape the Future of Social Care!

The government’s Big Conversation on Care is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to share their real-life experiences and ideas for the future of social care.

At some point, most of us will need social care support. That’s why people and families must be at the heart of decisions about the support they receive. At Certitude, we know this is how the best support is built.

Take part online: https://caseycommission.co.uk/bigconversation/take-part/

Find out more about this conversation as well as ways to get involved: https://caseycommission.co.uk/bigconversation/about/

Please share far and wide! Together we can make a difference and ensure sustainable, brilliant local support for people in our communities.

04/09/2026

Take on the Brighton Marathon 2027 and make every mile count for Certitude. 🏃‍♀️

We're looking for runners to join Team Certitude and experience one of the UK's most scenic seaside routes on Sunday 4 April 2027 and help raise vital funds to support people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and people with mental health support needs.

You will need to raise a minimum of £500 to support Certitude's work with our communities. Now is the time to put your name forward.

Apply for your place today: https://certitude.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-challenges/brighton-marathon

03/09/2026

Shake up your every day with Connect and Do! 🫟

From creative workshops and music sessions to walking groups and social gatherings, Connect & Do is all about bringing people together through activities that inspire, support and connect.

Whether you'd like to learn something new, rediscover a favourite hobby, or simply spend time with others in a welcoming space, our September programme offers a range of opportunities to get involved. Throughout the month, our creative facilitators will be sharing their skills and talents through a variety of engaging activities and workshops.

Join us this September: https://certitude.org.uk/events/connect-and-do-programme-september-2026

24/08/2026

A Garden Makeover!

Sunil, Tim and Pat are looking forward to transforming their garden thanks to a fantastic £10,000 grant from the B&Q foundation!

The project will bring new furniture, raised beds, a new shed and improved outdoor space for relaxing, gardening, exercising and socialising! Housemates Pat and Tim are excited about the makeover:

💬 “I’d like to have drinks outside in the garden, sitting at our new table on our new chairs,” said Pat.

💬 “I'm looking forward to having barbequed burgers in the new garden and doing exercise,” added Tim.

A huge thank you to the B&Q Foundation for helping create a welcoming outdoor space that will be enjoyed for years to come.

If you’re interested in donating to projects like these, visit: https://certitude.org.uk/get-involved/donation

20/08/2026

We had a wonderful day at Osterley Park at our community picnic last week, bringing together people we support, families, carers and colleagues from Hounslow, Richmond, Wandsworth and Hillingdon.

There was lovely food, time to catch up in the shade, and plenty of fun with football, rounders and tug of war.

It was also the perfect time to launch our charity walk, which will be in Windsor in April 2027, raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of Saul Isaac, who Certitude supported, and all the loved ones and family members who those in our community have lost to cancer.

The idea for the charity walk first came up because people wanted to contribute to their communities and do something positive for others – to give back! Many in our community knew Saul, and have been touched by cancer in other ways, which is why we chose to walk for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Many people signed up to take part, and those taking part will be able to choose the distance that feels right for them - whether that is 10K, 5K, 2K or less. Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make our picnic so lovely, and for showing your support for something so meaningful.

You can support the fundraiser here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/the-voices-group-star-road-1?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=EM

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20/08/2026

Unfortunately, this Friday's Connect and Do session at the Hive Cafe has been cancelled, but we plan on returning Friday 27th August 11-1pm.