Our locations
Walton Lea Partnership
Walton Lea Partnership is a busy place! We provide work experience and learning for people with learning difficulties in a beautiful Victorian walled garden near Warrington.
“At the Walton Lea Partnership we aim to improve the self-esteem and status of adults with learning difficulties and helping them to play a full part in the local community”.
We have a small shop that is open for the sale of our own home grown produce, plants, woodwork, and crafts.
There is a display of up-cycled furniture and woodwork with the garden in mind – garden furniture, wooden art, bird feeders, bug boxes and bird boxes.
Horticulture
Working closely with Warrington Borough Council, The Walton Estate and partners we help maintain the estate and take on projects such as planting beds around the gardens. Plants nurtured from seed and other aspects of their social enterprise will be available on site.
Environment
Learners are made aware of the different habitats, focusing around the Walton Hall and Walton Lea sites showing learners how each habitat attracts different flora and fauna and what elements have a positive or negative affect on each and how to manage.
Animal Husbandry
Our learners will be shown how to care for the animals at the Walton Hall Gardens and the other roles involved in maintaining a small zoo. They will learn basic skills and knowledge.
Walton Lea Partnership
at Walton Hall
The Walton Lea Partnership now offer supported learning in the new centre at Walton Hall Gardens based in the historic conservatory, the vinery area and classrooms used in the Shippon area (that were once occupied by Lady Daresbury’s prized Kerry cattle) to deliver learning, support and work across the whole of Walton Hall and Gardens.
Every aspect of the care process learned with the guidance of expert rangers teaches them important skills.
Sponsors
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors.
We are incredibly grateful for your support.
Our history
We started in 1998 with seven learners at the walled garden, (three of whom still attend to this day), and now welcome more than 60 adults and young people every week across our two vibrant locations.
Our why
OUR MISSION
To provide practical, compassionate and transformative support through efficient, effective and empathetic service provision in a safe, uplifting and nurturing learning environment.
OUR VISION
An inclusive world where people with learning disabilities and associated conditions are valued equally, have opportunity, dignity, respect, choice, understanding and support to lead fulfilled, happy and healthy lives.
Our Motto Is
Never Give Up!
No Barriers
Live Your Dreams
Our Aims
Improve the futures of learning-disabled people and those with associated conditions, by providing access to the appropriate person-centred information, learning services, equipment, therapies and treatment they need.
Empower learning-disabled people and those with associated conditions, their family/carers to make informed life choices, express their views and exercise choice in selecting provision, support activities and treatments.
Increase awareness and understanding of the needs of learning-disabled people and those with associated conditions, of all ages, across the region and the UK and defend their rights in the community.
Engage with local and national government to inform emerging legislation and provision and influence the shape and availability of social and health care, housing and education.
Enable people with learning disabilities and associated conditions to lead active and independent lives to their full potential.
Enable people with learning disabilities and associated conditions to lead ordinary lives free of barriers and prejudice.
Become a recognised centre of excellence for the support and development of people with learning disabilities and associated conditions.
Improve the futures of learning-disabled people and those with associated conditions, by providing access to the appropriate person-centred information, learning services, equipment, therapies and treatment they need.
Empower learning-disabled people and those with associated conditions, their family/carers to make informed life choices, express their views and exercise choice in selecting provision, support activities and treatments.
Increase awareness and understanding of the needs of learning-disabled people and those with associated conditions, of all ages, across the region and the UK and defend their rights in the community.
Engage with local and national government to inform emerging legislation and provision and influence the shape and availability of social and health care, housing and education.
Enable people with learning disabilities and associated conditions to lead active and independent lives to their full potential.
Enable people with learning disabilities and associated conditions to lead ordinary lives free of barriers and prejudice.
Become a recognised centre of excellence for the support and development of people with learning disabilities and associated conditions.
Meet the team
our staff
I have worked and volunteered in many community and hospital settings with adults and children with a wide range of additional needs over the years, but none have been as unique and heart-warming as it is at Walton Lea. I also was the Team Leader for Cheshire Search & Rescue Team for 10 years and achieved the Chief Constables Award for outstanding contributions to the community.
I was responsible for the Health, Safety & Welfare for 75 volunteers and was a Search Manager for 9 of those years, coordinating over 120 individual searches for missing persons. I had a few years away from the Health & Social Care sector and was a Community Development Manager for a large company, before I became an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) & Accreditation Review Lead for a local Trauma company.
Away from work, I enjoy canoeing, rock climbing, hill walking, meeting up with friends for days out and making special family memories.
Since joining Walton Lea, I have been made very welcome by the Board of Trustees, staff and of course the wonderful learners we have here. It is a lovely location to work in and completely different to the usual office block in city centres that I have previously been working in.
Prior to joining Walton Lea, I worked at a recruitment company as the Senior Company Accountant. My working background has been mostly in the recruitment sector, working in the Finance team and then as a PA for one of the Senior Managing Directors.
I live with my two sons, two mini dachshunds and two cats. Outside of work I enjoy yoga and I also volunteer at a local Horse Sanctuary on a Sunday helping to look after the Horses and help there on event days.
At home I am very lucky to have an amazing wife, three children and a tiny Maltipoo, they keep me grounded and remind me what is truly important. I also play as much golf as possible and enjoy calming green spaces.
Trustees
Mike Cozens
Chair of the board of trustees
A seasoned and successful entrepreneur and business owner Mike has substantial experience of working in senior leadership roles in both private and public sector organisations.
He is highly skilled in strategic business development, business improvement and change management and places great importance on creating a workplace culture in which employees are empowered and encouraged to achieve both personal and business success.
He has been a WLP Board member for over six years and has overseen substantial improvements in service delivery, brand reputation and growth in learner numbers. Mike has, over many years, given significant personal time and philanthropic support to a wide variety of Charities.
He has served as vice chair on the Boards of both ADSIS and the Early Years Childcare and Development in Staffordshire and has also served as business mentor and advisor to the Wedgwood Museum Trustee Board and to the Chambers of Commerce.
In addition to his role with the Walton Lea Partnership Mike is also the Chair of Trustees for the WeeeCharity Inc in Warrington.
Trish Chapman
Trustee
Hi I am Trish Chapman and I recently joined WLP as a Trustee with responsibility for Parent and Carers. Previously I have been a Foster Carer for 15 years to around 30 children.
I worked at Green Lane special school for 8 years as an admin assistant before retiring on ill health due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was a governor at Green lane for 22 years and am now a governor at Fox wood special school for the past 5 years and am currently chair of governors.
I have been married to Peter for almost 40 years and have 3 children. Laura who is married and has a boy 14 and a girl 11. Thomas is married and has 2 girls 3 and 6 months and last but definitely not least is Betty who attends WLP and loves every minute of her time there.
Caroline Jones
Trustee
I was delighted to join WLP in 2019 as a Trustee.
My particular interests working with Walton Lea Partnership are policy and governance along with supporting the learning journey for our wonderful learners. I am very happy to play my part on the Board to help steer service delivery and the design of future offers to our learners.
My background is in industrial psychology and I am also qualified to teach adults and assess their learning journey. I have also undertaken external verifying duties for a number of courses.
I took early retirement from Local Government in 2008, having worked in economic development and social regeneration; towards the end of my paid career I became lead Officer for social regeneration with Warrington Borough Council which gives me a good understanding of the needs of communities within and around the Warrington area.
Since that time I have been a Trustee with various charities, undertaking positions from Trustee, Committee Chair and Deputy Chair over the years.
Dianne Gardner
Trustee
Since the beginning of 2024 I have been an active volunteer at WLP, and was delighted when given the opportunity to become a Trustee in order to assist in its future growth and development.
The majority of my full-time working life was spent as an executive secretary prior to leaving to raise my family. I returned to work in the Library at Bridgwater High School, and retired in 2023 after 17 years.
Since 1998 I have been active with the Scout movement as Section Leader – Cubs at 1st Moore and I am also a Trustee for the group.
Additionally, since 2004 I have been part of Cheshire Penguins Swimming Club, a volunteer-run charitable organisation for children and adults with learning disabilities. I am currently Secretary and Head Coach.
I am married to Ken, lived in Sandymoor for over 30 years, and have two children, Richard and Daniel. Richard is a learner at WLP and also a member of the swimming club.
Jo Wilbraham
Trustee
Hello. I’ve worked at Walton Lea since 2022 as a Volunteer and Support Worker. I was appointed Special Advisor to Board on Brand Communications and Strategy in 2024 and am really excited to extend this role by becoming a Trustee.
I have over 35 years Communications Experience and was regarded as one of the UK’s top Communications Specialists. I have led multiple award winning teams at Weber Shandwick for over 2 decades and previously ran my own business.
I enjoy working with Walton Lea people and hope that I bring an unwavering work ethic, clear thinking, integrity and a healthy dose of fun.
Victoria McAleer
Trustee
Hello, I’m Victoria McAleer and I’ve been volunteering with Walton Lea for the past 19 months. Originally, I started working in the garden, and later transitioned to the Media Team, which has been an incredibly fulfilling experience.
I obtained my BA Hons in Art History from the University of Manchester. Following that, I spent 12 years in Scotland, initially working in the corporate sector for companies such as Hilton and Weir Group. Subsequently, I began volunteering for the British Red Cross and eventually assumed the role of manager at a residential facility in Aberdeen.
In 2017, I returned to England to pursue a Master’s degree in Law. As part of the program, I studied a range of disciplines, including Equity and Trusts. Furthermore, I acquired additional qualifications in Managing Office and Client Accounts. I was also part of the University Law Clinic which provided free legal advice to members of the public. Prior to its closure, I was employed at FDR Solicitors in Warrington working in commercial litigation and employment law.
My decision to volunteer at Walton Lea was driven by my admiration for the fantastic work this charity does, especially since moving to Warrington. Being part of this organization has been immensely rewarding.
In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, immersing myself in music and art, and indulging in a good book.
Paul Cooper
Trustee
Hi I’m Paul. I am now retired and I’m excited to be joining the Walton Lea Partnership board to assist with the improvement of the existing facilities and with the development of the “Big Project”. During my 46 year career in the construction industry I have been involved in the development of many local landmarks e.g. the original Golden Square in Warrington, the Domestic Facility at Manchester Airport (now Terminal 3) and The Pyramid in Stockport.
I was a site manager on increasingly large and complex schemes before progressing to project and contract management roles. This required continuous learning to ensure professional competence; sharing information and knowledge with colleagues, ensuring their health, safety and wellbeing and allowing them to explore their potential to learn and develop; an approach I have seen reciprocated at Walton Lea, where the learners are given opportunities to develop their domestic, practical skills and leisure interests in a safe and supportive environment.
I have lived in the Warrington area all my life. I am married to Diane who is also retired but who had a long career with Warrington Borough Council, latterly as manager of the Occupational Therapy Service. We have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. Our daughter and 3 of the grandchildren live in Canada.
I enjoy playing walking rugby at Moore Rugby Club and with Warrington Wolves. I have recently taken up cycling again and we are both members of a local pub quiz team. We both love to travel and will continue to visit faraway places, while we are still able!
Barbara Freeman
Trustee
Hello – my name is Barbara and I’m the founding director of Fresh-Beginnings cookery. I am also the author of a cookery book ‘You Can Cook’.
Over the past 6 months I have had the great pleasure in working with the learners from Walton Lea Partnership. We have delivered numerous cooking sessions, including ‘Cooking in the garden’ where we have actually cooked some of the wonderful produce which is grown on site by the learners. It has been such a privilege for me to work with the learners and I am very passionate about teaching them life skills which will help them to become independent and live a healthier lifestyle.
I have over 25 years of experience in Hotel, Restaurants and Education catering as well as experience in working with people with mental health and learning disabilities.
Fresh-Beginnings delivers cooking sessions for people with little or no skills in the kitchen. My aim is to give people the confidence they need to learn new skills to cook from scratch – making meal times a positive experience.
Samra Shah
Trustee
I was delighted to join WLP in 2019 as a Trustee.
My particular interests working with Walton Lea Partnership are policy and governance along with supporting the learning journey for our wonderful learners. I am very happy to play my part on the Board to help steer service delivery and the design of future offers to our learners.
My background is in industrial psychology and I am also qualified to teach adults and assess their learning journey. I have also undertaken external verifying duties for a number of courses.
I took early retirement from Local Government in 2008, having worked in economic development and social regeneration; towards the end of my paid career I became lead Officer for social regeneration with Warrington Borough Council which gives me a good understanding of the needs of communities within and around the Warrington area.
Since that time I have been a Trustee with various charities, undertaking positions from Trustee, Committee Chair and Deputy Chair over the years.
Vacancies
Join our supported learning family at Walton Lea Walled Garden or Walton Hall Gardens. You’ll find details of all current vacancies on our LinkedIn page.
Governance
Find key policies and procedures here.
