SEARCHLIGHT WORKSHOPS

Mount Pleasant

By Carol Walton and Laurie Stonehouse

SEARCHLIGHT WORKSHOPS
Claremont Road, Mount Pleasant.

www.search-light.org.uk

Phone : 01273 514007

Searchlight was founded in 1933 by Miss Muriel Powell, who for several years had been matron of the Bishopstone branch of Chailey Heritage. She had cared for disabled children until they reached the age at which they would leave school, but there seemed to be no place for them in the able-bodied world. Miss Powell was determined to help by attempting something quite new. With her savings she bought a bungalow next to the old Searchlight battery above Newhaven, and with three disabled young men as her staff, went into business making jam and sweetmeats. Wartime rationing put an end to this and Miss Powell turned to handicrafts and chair caning, for which the Searchlight workshops are now well known.

Searchlight quickly grew, and in 1947 a new building was opened which provided a workshop for 36 disabled men. Another building was opened in 1951 by Her Grace the Duchess of Norfolk who became Searchlight's patron, and in 1958 a building for recreational purposes was added. Money was then raised to provide buildings and care for the disabled men when they retired, or could no longer work. Today there are three residential houses which accommodate around 47 men and women with physical and learning disabilities, and a day centre that enables them to undertake a variety of activities. Everyone, staff and clients alike, contribute to and benefit from the sense of community which exists there.

Searchlight forms an important part of the Newhaven community and both staff and residents are well known in the area. While 2008 marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of Searchlight, the coming months and years bring new challenges, the appeal for a much needed new Minibus is nearing reality thanks to the generous donations from Searchlights patrons and other fundraising events. The present appeal, which was launched in September 2009, is called Bright-Light.  Powell House needs to be modernised to provide greater opportunities, and to stimulate new levels of independence and self-fulfilment for all the residents. Graeme Amy has recently named Searchlight as one of his many charities and has attracted three new patrons, all of the patrons that Searchlight rely on are very kind people, and they ensure a bright future for this quality care home.

How can you help?

Donate online , it is simple, quick and secure. To donate, visit our site at www.justgiving.com/searchlight

Donate by post , send cheques to "Searchlight Workshops" Searchlight, Claremont Road, Mount Pleasant, Newhaven, East Sussex, BN9 ONJ. Or see the "giftaid it" form at the bottom of this page.

Corporate Sponsorship , We have a full events calendar every year which your organisation can support, in return we can help to raise your local profile and help demonstrate your commitment to the local community by using your name and logo on publicity. Why not think about adopting Searchlight as your charity for the year?