Martha Trust was founded in 1987 by a compassionate group of local residents from Deal, Kent, who believed there had to be a more dignified and supportive alternative to long-stay NHS mental health hospitals and institutional care for people with profound disabilities. Guided by Christian values and a deep commitment to person-centred care, they established Martha Trust’s first home—creating a safe, loving environment where individuals could be nurtured, respected, and empowered to live life to the fullest.
Since our founding in 1987, Martha Trust has grown from a heartfelt vision into a thriving community of homes that empower people with profound disabilities to live life to the fullest. Here’s how our story has unfolded:
1986 Construction begins in Deal, Kent—laying the foundations for a new kind of care.
1987 On 22nd April, Martha House officially opens its doors, inaugurated by Princess Alexandra. A new chapter of dignity and support begins.
1994 Martha House expands to include dedicated respite care, offering families much-needed support.
1999 We open our second home, Frances House, in Deal—welcoming more residents into our nurturing environment.
2000 Our garden at Martha House is transformed by Charlie Dimmock and the BBC’s Ground Force team, creating a beautiful outdoor space for all to enjoy.
2003 Martha House undergoes another extension, adding extra living space and a new respite room.
2006 Mary House opens in Hastings, officially launched by HRH The Countess of Wessex. Meanwhile, the gardens at Frances House are completed—bringing nature closer to home.
2009 Mary House receives a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool and four additional residential rooms.
Frances House also expands, with HRH The Princess Royal opening four new rooms.
2011 The hydrotherapy pool at Deal is refurbished, and Mary House unveils a tranquil sensory garden.
2016 Frances House grows again—adding four more rooms to support our growing family.
2021 At the beginning of September, our respite room at Deal is thoughtfully redeveloped into a residential room—responding to changing needs following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also in the year, Mary House opens two new rooms, continuing our commitment to personalised care.
2025 Our beautiful decking area is renovated over the pond at Martha House—creating a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike.