Eastbourne thanks Jill Parker MBE for decades of service

Jill Parker MBE, the 82-year-old outgoing chair of trustees at the JPK Project in Eastbourne, has stepped down after nearly 50 years of campaigning to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities.

Ms Parker said: "It was a thank you party — not a retirement one — to thank all the people who were with me on our 20-year journey. There were some very special people."

The JPK Project now has seven flats for adults with learning disabilities, as well as a centre at the front of the building.

Ms Parker’s journey began in 1979 when her daughter Katie was born.

She said: "She suffered cerebral spasms very early on and it was clear she had suffered brain damage — that was my introduction to the learning disability sector. Katie was just one."

In 1980, she established the Eastbourne Area Parents’ Action Group (EAPAG), which later secured Chalk Farm Hotel in Willingdon to offer work experience in hospitality and horticulture for young adults with learning disabilities.

Ms Parker said the question remained: "What will happen to my vulnerable adult when we are too old to care for them?"

This led her to step down from EAPAG and co-found the JPK Project in 2002.

She said: "It started with a cream tea in my back garden which raised £250. We had to raise £2 million and it did take longer than we first thought — some 20 years.

"It was not an easy path at times but we got there, and that was always going to be the most important thing."

In 2015, Ms Parker was awarded an MBE for her outstanding service to people with learning disabilities.

She said: "These people gave me the motivation, along with all the friends, volunteers and fundraisers who helped us and my fellow trustees who have come and gone over the years.

"It is an absolute joy to see the seven tenants at Gow Lodge happily settled, building friendships and enjoying life to the full with the support of a wonderful staff team."