When the Ross on Wye day centre closed in October 2017, it meant that adults with learning and other disabilties living locally would no longer have somewhere to socialise and do activities. It was also a loss of a vital service within our community. But what we could we do about this? Ross-on-Wye has a strong community spirit so with some support from local businesses, organisations and residents (and with some of our redundancy monies thrown in for good measure), we have started The Ross on Wye Horizon Centre CIC for people with learning and other disabilities.

The Ross on Wye Horizon Centre CIC is a social enterprise, trading for social purpose and local community benefit. We are a Community Interest Company or CIC, introduced in the UK under the Companies Act 2004 designed for social enterprises that want to use their profits and assets for the public good. Social enterprises such as ours have social objectives and work for the public good.

For the Horizon Centre, this means that we are dedicated to improving opportunities for adults with learning and other disabilities in the Ross on Wye and surrounding areas. Our vision - 'local services bringing communities together' - also commits us to working for the benefit of the wider community, including the input and involvement of local residents.

The Horizon Centre offers activities such as arts and crafts, woodwork, gardening, music and exercise groups as well as new opportunities. We are also involved in the local community, selling the things we make at the local market and having a plot of land for our gardening project at the nearby Model Farm, a community project involving EnviroAbility, another local organisation. We believe that 'our smallness is our strength', as it allows us to be flexible, adaptable and able to view tried and tested approaches in different ways. For people interested in joining us, we offer free taster days so that people can find out more about us before signing up.

Like many people, we feel strongly that there should be a local day centre that provides an innovative, vibrant and person-centre service for adults with learning and other disabilities. The Ross on Wye Horizon Centre encourages people to build confidence, learn new skills, and develop independence.

How can you help? By visiting this site, you may like what we are doing and wish to help us financially. As we started from scratch within a very short time frame, we are looking to quickly raise necessary funds to support the project. We contributed some of our redundancy monies and are fully committed to making this centre a success. Every donation is very appreciated. We have been so touched by the support and encouragement we have received.