History of Glebe House

Time Lines- Details of Milestones and Photographs

Glebe House built in 1851 as Rectory for Emmanuel Church

March 29, 1851

We move in

June 1, 1982

Glebe House leased from Leicester County Council and refurbished by parent members of the Charnwood Mencap Society. The refurbishment was funded by Urban Aid Grant.

Glebe House opens

February 22, 1983

Glebe House opens. Maintenance and running costs are funded by the Urban Policy Sub Committee, of Leicester County Council. The staff are funded through the Manpower Services Commission Community Programme. First services offered were holiday playscheme, pre school playgroup, adult daycare, domicilary homecare/sitting service and weekend breaks.

Formally opened by Brian Rix

October 16, 1983

Comic actor, father and passionate campaigner for people with a learning disability: Lord Brian Rix was an extraordinary man. When his daughter was born with Down’s syndrome in 1951, doctors advised him to ‘put her away in a home and forget about her’. Instead, Brian Rix began a 60-year fight to create a world where people with a learning disability had the opportunity to learn, work and live life the way they chose. He officially opened Glebe House in

Glebe House is visited by Princess Diana

January 10, 1984

Glebe House was visited by Diana who was then the HRH Princess of Wales in 1984. She is joined by Professor Ray Meddis, one of the founders of the charity and still a trustee until he recently retired last October.

Joint Funding

March 29, 1985

Joint Funding first obtained to finance some posts. Mental Health Foundation funded Project Manager’s post for 2 years.

John Drake building

August 29, 1991

Glebe House adds a second property to its portfolio, with the acquisition of the John Drake building fundraised by parents/carers.

Take over

June 14, 1992

Glebe House (Charnwood) Ltd (company limited by guarantee) is formed. A charity in its own right took over responsibility for the Project, with effect from April 1993.

Service Level Agreement

April 4, 1993

Grants for all services excluding play-scheme and pre school playgroup, are replaced by a Service Level Agreement with the Local Authority.

Moving to Woodgate Chambers

November 10, 2010

Moving childrens services to The Old School

September 11, 2012

Purchasing Glebe Cottage

November 29, 2012

Glebe House set the wheels in motion to purchase a new property to house work skills services and respite and weekend breaks.

Leaving the old Glebe House after 30 years

March 8, 2013

Saying a fond farewell to Glebe House on Forest Road. Since then it is now home to Hardwick House School.

Glebe Cottage opens

April 9, 2013

Glebe Cottage is now open and is home to Work Skills Services and Weekend Breaks.

Further Support Services become available

March 1, 2015

• Day care for adults 5 days/week/with separate groups for young adults with additional physical disability and for elderly clients. • Round year Children’s Service including after school, Saturdays and holidays. • Activity days for young adults during Summer holidays. • Social Club Wednesday evening for young adults. • Weekend Breaks • Community Support/Sitting Service