The Grace Eyre Foundation takes its name from Grace Eyre Woodhead, who founded the organisation in 1898.
The work of the organisation started by placing children from London hospitals in holiday homes in the Heathfield area of East Sussex. From the beginning, when it was agreed that children could be placed permanently within families, there evolved the need for regulated placements and supervision by visiting officers. In support of these placements there then arose the need for some educational provision, day care, occupational training, work placements etc.
In line with government legislation of the day, the 'Guardianship Society' was formed in 1913. One year later, a day centre, offering industrial training was opened in Brighton, probably the first of its kind in the country. In 1950 the 'Guardianship Society' moved to its present premises in Avondale Road, Hove and in 1988 the 'Guardianship Society' changed its name to Grace Eyre Foundation.
Over the last few years, the charity has grown and diversified the range of services provided, and have become a stronger and more focused organisation. We are continuing the partnership with people who use our services so we can support them to achieve their dreams and wishes.
A place in the sun
Five famous Brighton & Hove women were celebrated as part of the Brighton library opening. One of the women was Grace Eyre Woodhead and a dramatisation of her life and her society- altering views was commissioned and produced.
It was recorded as part of the Brighton library opening on 27th February 2005 and broadcast by Radio 4 on Friday 29th April 2005.
Care In the Community: The Case of the Guardianship Society, 1900 - 1939
This article is by Louise Westwood, 2007. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for the Social History of Medicine. It details the early part of the organisation's history, when Grace Eyre Woodhead's approach was in direct opposition to the institutionalisation of people with learning disabilities that happened with the introduction of the 1913 Mental Deficiency Act. The work of the organisation was an innovative and independent approach that still stands the test of time.
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