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For six decades, Grove Cottage has been a beacon of hope for individuals with learning disabilities and additional needs. What started in 1966 as a modest initiative now supports over 180 individuals and their families each year. Our mission is to develop potential, foster friendships, and provide family respite, and we’re modernising our facilities to meet evolving community needs, thanks to the generous Crabb family (read their story).
Learn more about our vision for the future.
Our History
Founded in 1966 by parents seeking better services for children with learning disabilities, The friends had a vision to create a safe place that could offer a brighter future for local children with learning disabilities. In 1971 they purchased 151 London Road – ‘Grove Cottage’ – which was officially opened in June 1972 as a social and recreational centre. The building next door was also purchased in 1994 to allow for extended services.
Today
Grove Cottage is a vibrant hub for individuals with learning disabilities of all ages. We offer:
- SEND nursery
- Speech and language therapy
- Out-of-school clubs
- Clubs for teens and adults
These vital services help our members make friends, learn new skills, and have fun. However, our beloved building is showing its age and needs urgent attention. Our larger, modern and more accessible building will ensure we can support our community for many years to come.
Read more about our new building project.
Our Future
After years of meticulous planning and our wonderful community behind us, we’re excited to share our plans of rebuilding of Grove Cottage on London Road. Our new building will provide:
- Enhanced services
- Improved safety, accessibility, and dignity
- Increased space to support more people
We plan to start demolition later this year and reopen in 2025, and we need your help!
We’ve raised almost £2 million of the £2.5 million needed. Please support our A Better Building for a Brighter Future project by donating through JustGiving. Grove Cottage receives no direct funding from Mencap, and Early Years government funding only covers a fraction of our costs.
How You Can Help
- Donate: Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goal.
- Fundraise: Organise community events, sponsored activities, or personal challenges.
- Volunteer: Give your time and skills to help us in this transformative project.
- Spread the Word: Share our vision with friends, family, and on social media.
Read personal stories from our families.
Stay Updated
To keep up with our progress, follow us on:
Thank you to all who have supported us.
Together, we are building a brighter future for Grove Cottage and our community.
Read our Bishop’s Stortford Independent articles:
- The historical context of Grove Cottage and the motivations behind needing a new building – https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/grove-cottage-begins-journey-to-build-a-better-building-for-9368899/
- The demand for improved SEND provision and the necessity for a new building – https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/wny-grove-cottage-needs-to-make-a-big-step-to-keep-pace-with-9368900/
- How our dedication to enriching lives, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating achievements is unwavering – https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/grove-cottage-s-dedication-to-enriching-lives-fostering-in-9368901/
- Honouring the wonderful Crabb family who left us an amazing legacy: https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/grove-cottage-can-build-better-future-thanks-to-legacy-of-th-9368963/
- Asking the community to help us realise our dream for a new building: https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/grove-cottage-begins-fundraising-journey-to-turn-new-buildin-9369555/
To keep up-to-date with our build as it happens, please follow us on:
