Chief Executive’s Message

“ SHARE was set up over 30 years ago to give disabled people, and those with long term health problems, the opportunity to develop their skills and build their confidence. Many people leave SHARE and get jobs. Some go on to college or university. Some people stay at SHARE for a longer time and try out different courses.
As you will see if you explore our website, SHARE offers training courses in computing, business administration, horticulture and basic skills. As well as following a vocational training course, SHARE students have opportunities to do extra activities. At the moment, these include creative writing, healthy cooking and eating and yoga.
As a registered charity, we’re always looking for funding to sustain and develop our work. Our Friends of SHARE scheme offers you the chance to give us practical help and keep in touch with what we are doing. Please see “How you can help us”.
SHARE really does change people’s lives, and I’m proud to be part of it. Enjoy this website, and do get in touch with us.”

Annie McDowall
Chief Executive

About SHARE Community

What we do

SHARE Community provides self-help, training, personal development and educational opportunities to disabled people and those facing health-related barriers to employment, so that they can progress towards their individual goals for life, participation in the community and employment.

Our values

SHARE’s core values include respect for every individual and the provision of a safe, friendly, caring environment based on mutual self-help, trust and support. Everyone involved in the provision of SHARE’s services is committed to acting at all times an open-minded, non-judgmental manner. SHARE is a flexible organisation, encouraging individual freedom together with responsibility in exercising choice. SHARE offers opportunities for self-expression, humour and fun. The sharing of everyday activities, such as eating together, is an essential part of SHARE’s ethos.

Our students

Some of SHARE’s students join SHARE primarily to develop or hone skills in order to move into employment. They generally attain qualifications such as NVQ levels 1 and 2. Other students do not seek paid employment in the short to medium term. They use SHARE more to develop life skills and to benefit from the social and educational activities available.

We run training courses in Information Technology and Computing; Business Administration; Horticulture; and Basic and Life Skills. We also offer contextual courses in yoga, creative writing, healthy eating, and arts and crafts. Students have frequent opportunities to take part in sporting activities and cultural outings.

Students have a say in the running and development of SHARE through the Students’ Alliance, of which all students are automatically a member. Staff and students meet as a community every week.

Our staff and premises

SHARE currently has a staff of 24, plus 4 active volunteers. There are over 100 students currently registered and regularly attending. Of these, approximately one third are following a vocational training programme funded by the European Social Fund and two thirds have places purchased by social services or primary health care trusts as part of individuals’ rehabilitation plans.

SHARE has been in existence since 1972. Its main premises are in Altenburg Gardens, London SW11. SHARE also runs a horticultural project in the grounds of Springfield Hospital, SW17 and our ESF projects are based at 336 Brixton Road, London SW9.