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| 1981 - Martha Trust is a Christian based organisation which was conceived in 1981 by Julia Knowles, in response to her growing involvement in the care of young people with physical and learning disabilities and her realisation that the quality of care provision needed was rarely available within the local area. Julia wished the approach at Martha to be centred around creating a loving family environment where all who stay would become part of the extended Martha family, an approach that continues today. Martha Trust aim to express God's love for all those who come to Martha which is why 'Love in Action' has become a key statement for our work. |
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| 1983 - Fundraising for the new home, Martha House, commences. |
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| 1987 -Martha House in Deal opened in March 1987 by H.R.H. Princess Alexandra, and for many years provided a home to 8 people with profound and multiple disabilities of mixed ages. From the very early days the key objectives of the carers was to provide a safe, caring, homely environment in which each person can grow and develop to reach their full potential as individuals and at the same time to enjoy life to the fullest possible extent. |
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| 1996 - A hydrotherapy pool and a daycare centre were added to the site in Deal. The hydrotherapy pool has been used nearly every day since to provide physiotherapy, exercise and sensory therapy for all residents and service users. The daycare centre provides a stimulating range of activities and therapies for local young adults who have recently left full time education. |
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| 1998 - Martha Trust opened a new Children's Home in Deal, Kent, called Frances House, which for eight years provided quality residential care for children aged 4 to 19 years. In 2006, to meet increased demand for the care of young adults, the home converted to provide residential care for five young adults, offering places to some who had used Frances House during their childhood. |
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2000 - Martha House's garden became a unique feature when it was transformed by Charlie Dimmock and her 'Garden Army' team to meet the very special needs of our residents.
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| 2001 - The original home, Martha House was renovated and extended. The home now provides a home for life for 12 people with profound disabilities, and has one place dedicated to respite care, helping another 20 families each year. |
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| 2004 - Martha Trust was asked to take over a half completed residential home in Hastings, East Sussex with the aim of completing the building work and opening a new residential home. |
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| 2005 - Following a period of fundraising, and building works to complete and extend the home, Mary House was opened to its first young residents in November 2005. The Countess of Wessex officially opened the home in April 2006 and it now provides loving care to eight young adults with exceptional needs in a spacious and high quality setting. |
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| 2006 - A new fundraising campaign is about to be initiated to build a further wing to Mary House, offering 2 additional residential places, and 2 places for respite care. The plans also include a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool, a much needed service for Mary House residents and others from the local community. |
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| The Future - Martha Trust's vision for the next 10 years is to increase residential and respite care services, to meet a greater demand for care.
In ensuring Martha develops to meet the new challenges ahead, the Trust looks to God for support, guidance and inspiration.
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| 'Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain' Psalm 127. |
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