Chaseley Trusts History

Dr Guttman was Chaseley’s first medical consultant. He went on to found the National Spinal Injuries Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and later, the Paralympic Games. The Chaseley Trust remains dedicated to realising Guttman’s vision of fostering full and active lives. Today, we stand as a distinctive, independent 55-bed nursing home, owned by a charitable organization.

Our specialisation lies in providing long-term nursing care for individuals facing complex neuro-disabilities, including Acquired and Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, and Degenerative Neurological Conditions such as Huntington’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Motor Neurone disease.

Chaseley Trust has grown into one of only five charity-owned UK facilities specialising in neuro-disabilities. Well established in a majestic, 137-year-old house overlooking the Eastbourne coast, Chaseley is home to 55 long-term residents and numerous out-patient neuro-physiotherapy clients facing complex disabilities.

Our residents have changed since the old days of the “Chaseley Boys” but we still have a diverse and engaged household. Aged 24 to 81, they hail from all over the UK, drawn by our expertise in caring for those with complex neurological disabilities. Each resident has a unique story. Imagine a jockey whose career was cut short after being kicked in the head by a horse. Or a football fan who fell backwards down the arena steps during a family outing; a talented musician now battling advanced stages of MS; and a young entrepreneur whose life was forever changed by a head-on car collision. These stories represent the diverse individuals we support at Chaseley.

Our approach is holistic, offering comprehensive care and individualised rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, speech therapy, and various social and recreational activities. This ensures our residents can maintain as much independence and control over their lives as possible.

We are always on the lookout for new volunteers to join our community. Whether you would like to assist with activities or simply sit and watch the sea with one of our residents, your support can make a world of difference.

Chaseley Trust’s ethos remains unchanged since its foundation almost 80 years ago. If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about our work, please get in touch.

For fundraising ideas, donations or volunteering please email fundraising@chaseleytrust.org

“Some of the chaps at Chaseley were reputed to have been fighter pilots. The invalid carriages of that era were powered by petrol engines and they somehow tuned them up to go faster than was allowed. I remember seeing them hurtling three-abreast on the seafront heading down towards the Wish Tower from the bottom of Bolsover Road with blue smoke coming from the exhausts.”

Michel Ockenden, long-term Meads resident

Two of our original “Chaseley Boys” celebrating.