Welcome to The Chester Link
The Chester Link supports individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism to lead independent and fulfilling lives by facilitating and providing person centred high quality care.
Who we are and what we stand for
The Chester Link supports individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism to lead independent and fulfilling lives by facilitating and providing person centred high quality care. The Chester Link own and lease properties which are furnished, decorated and maintained to a high standard.
Independently recognised for the care we provide
The Care Quality Commission independently inspects and rates care services across England. We're proud to have received a Good rating, a reflection of the hard work, dedication and high standards our team brings to everything they do. You can read our most recent report in full below.
How two families started it all
The Chester Link grew from a simple worry into something remarkable. This is the story of how two families, determined to secure a good future for their loved ones, built an organisation that has gone on to support people for more than twenty years.
A family idea
In 1993, two families worried about future housing and support for their family members, who had learning disabilities. Together with others, and led by one of the fathers, they set out to start a brand new organisation.
New territory
Setting down the aims, becoming a company limited by guarantee and gaining charitable status was all new ground. The advice and support of the group's financial and legal professionals proved invaluable through those early days.
The first house
After several unsuccessful funding bids, a National Lottery grant finally allowed the group to buy and staff its very first house. Professional staff were appointed to run things, with families still playing major roles on the board.
A growing board
The appointment of locally respected trustees brought fresh standing and knowledge to the organisation. Family members continued to hold a strong presence too, both on the board itself and across its subcommittee positions.
Ten years strong
Late in 2009, The Chester Link celebrated ten years of successful operations. What had once seemed a hopeless, or hugely ambitious, prospect had been made real by service users, families, trustees and staff alike.
Twenty years on
In 2019, The Chester Link proudly marked its 20th anniversary of operations. This significant milestone was celebrated with an afternoon tea party bringing together service users, families, staff and trustees.
The people who make it all happen
Behind everything we do is a team of dedicated, caring people. From our managers and support staff to our voluntary trustees, they share one commitment: helping the people we support to live full, independent lives. Click below to get to know them.
Support shaped around the life each person wants to live
Every person we support is different, so the service we provide is too. From building skills at home to getting out into the community, finding work, making friends and enjoying a well earned holiday, we are there across every part of life. Our aim is always the same: to help people grow in confidence and independence, and to do more of the things that make life their own.
Learning, work and volunteering
We support people to keep learning through college and community classes, and to find paid work or volunteering roles that build confidence and a sense of purpose.
Home and independent living
From shopping and cooking to everyday domestic tasks and managing a tenancy, we help people take an active role at home and feel pride in a place that is truly their own.
Health, wellbeing and self care
We support people to look after their own health and medication, stay on top of reviews and appointments, and do the things that help them feel their very best each day.
Money, budgeting and benefits
We help people manage their money, plan a budget around the things that matter most, and claim and maintain all of their benefits.
Friendships, family and social life
From nights out and theatre trips to local social groups and community events, we help people enjoy an active social life and stay close to those who matter most.
Hobbies, sport and creativity
Whether it is a favourite sport or a long held hobby, we make sure there is always plenty to enjoy and much more.
Out and about, near and far
We help people build an active presence in their local community, travel with confidence both near and far, and enjoy well earned holidays and short breaks throughout the year.
Choice, control and self advocacy
We support people to have choice and control over their lives, to make their own decisions with growing confidence, and to speak up for themselves.