The Hextol Foundation supports people with learning differences and mental health needs to build confidence, gain skills and feel part of their community. We do this through supported work placements in real working environments, including gardening, catering, warehousing and our town-centre café, The Hextol Tans. Hextol was founded in 2006 as a charitable company, with a focus on creating working opportunities for people whose options after school can be limited.

Our placements provide:

• structure and routine
• meaningful work experience
• social connection
• a safe and supportive environment

All of which help reduce isolation and build self-confidence.

What makes Hextol different

We are unique in the area - no other organisation offers the same range of choice and flexibility that we do. Our placements are free of charge, and we don’t impose formal joining criteria such as requiring a diagnosis. We aim to make our support accessible to the people who need it most. Instead, we focus on providing support that is accessible, flexible and tailored to each individual. 

Why our work matters

Our five businesses are all real working environments, giving people the chance to experience the challenges and rewards that only work can provide. People come to Hextol for different reasons. Some people use us as a mental health recovery process, whilst others are looking for practical experience to spring-board them into paid employment. For others, we are a safe, non-demanding place where they can come to meet with colleagues and work on meaningful tasks, gaining a real sense of achievement at the end of the day. Our offer provides structure and support - and this allows us to empower our beneficiaries with the self-confidence and self-esteem to be able to reach their potential.

Flexible and supportive

There is no minimum or maximum duration for our placements - some members of our team have stayed with us for over 14 years! Our placements, managed from our Hexham office on Gilesgate, help to reduce social isolation while introducing people to the world of work - sometimes for the first time and sometimes as part of a recovery process.

Changing perceptions

We are passionate about showing the wider community what our beneficiaries are capable of, and about reducing the stigma that can be attached to people with learning differences and mental health needs. It is important to us that our beneficiaries see the value of the work they do. All of our business areas are available to hire and consistently receive brilliant feedback.

Supporting progress

We ensure that our beneficiaries receive regular feedback, helping them recognise their progress and build confidence in their abilities. This includes certificates and on-the-job training in our core skills. The experience gained through our placements can open up opportunities for paid work or other voluntary roles, and we support our beneficiaries to work towards their goals.

All income generated through our businesses is reinvested into the charity, helping us to maintain and develop our services.

Flexible and personalised support

Understanding the needs of our beneficiaries is key to The Hextol Foundation. Placements can last as long as required and people can try different areas of work to find what suits them best.

More than work placements

As well as offering work placements, we also operate a free daily LunchClub for those we support. These are very popular and take place Monday to Friday, with our catering team helping to prepare and serve a hot, nutritionally-balanced meal. 

Our work would not be possible without our dedicated volunteer supervisors, who help to keep things running in each business. We are always happy to welcome new volunteers. If you're interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you here.

We work with organisations in the social care sector as well as schools, but we also take self referrals. If you would like to enquire for yourself or on behalf of someone about a supported work placement, please contact us.

Our management team is based in our Gilesgate office in Hexham, and we also have a Board of Trustees. The management team, lead by our Chief Executive Officer Bruce Howorth, is responsible for overseeing the day to day running of the organisation. The Board of Trustees ensure we are meeting our charitable objectives.

Our Management Team

Bruce Howorth, Chief Executive Officer

Claire Oakenfold, Catering Manager

Jo Elliott, Beneficiary Engagement Manager