Our History

1995

The Paul’s Place journey began, when a group of friends got together to form a club where physically disabled adults could meet and socialise. At first the club met once a month. Paul’s Place then launched daily activities at the Miners Social Club in Coalpit Heath, as the numbers and demand for its service grew.

1997

Paul’s Place registered as an unincorporated charity.

2007

The membership at Paul’s Place continued to increase and quickly outgrew the space at The Miners Social Club. Coalpit Heath Cricket Club offered Paul’s Place the opportunity to relocate.

2011

Growing numbers meant that Paul’s Place continued to expand. With thanks to the fantastic fundraising efforts at Paul’s Place, the Paul Willmott annex was built onto the cricket club. It accommodates a pamper room, an accessible toilet, an activity room and offices.

2018

We became a limited company alongside a charity. At this time, our official and legal name became Paul’s Place (South West) although we’re still known as Paul’s Place.

The Future

We’re the new owners of the Shire Way Centre in Yate, made possible by generous legacy donations. We’re working hard to repair, refurbish, and repurpose the building to open as Paul’s Place Hub, a specialist and inclusive centre for disabled adults. Paul’s Place Hub will offer more daily activities and facilities for our members and will allow us to widen our service and welcome new members. For more information visit: Paul’s Place Hub Appeal

Who is Paul?

Paul’s Place got its name in a rather unique and special way. It was back in 1995 when the club was formed and led by Kath Aldom MBE. A young disabled man called, Paul Willmott, was part of the initial conversations about the group. 

Paul was just nineteen when he was involved in a horrific accident, which left him in a coma for eight months and in hospital for over four years. Paul came home in a wheelchair and his life was never the same.

Paul, like the other founding members wanted to see a social group for physically disabled people. Kath and the group began a social outing to the pub once a month. Adults with physically disabilities were able to go out, make friends and have something to look forward to. Sadly, Paul passed away just as the club was forming.

It soon became clear the group was very much in demand and we became a registered charity in 2007. In memory of Paul Willmott, the name Paul’s Place, was born.

We launched our day facility in 2000 and today we’ve had extensive carers and respite programme, we have regular trips and holidays, arts, music and sports clubs. We arrange an evening programme, which includes bowling, cinema, concerts and of course going to the pub.

Today. ‘Paul’ embodies anyone using the charity, regardless of gender or disability. We are a people-based, disability-led charity and continue to replicate the ethos of the original club.

June Willmott

Paul Willmott’s mum, June, was incredibly excited about the charity moving into its very own Hub. She once said,

“Paul would have been very proud that we are moving into a fantastic building with brilliant facilities, and how the charity has grown since 1995.”

June saw and loved the floor plans, which was shaped by our members’ wants, wish lists, and needs. She warmly added,

“Make sure you invite me to the new Hub.” We replied, “You’ll be the first on the list.”

Sadly, while trying to contact June, we learned that she passed away in the summer of 2024 after a short illness.

June played an important role in our history. She was not only Paul’s mum but also became a patron, trustee, and dedicated volunteer of the charity he helped to found. Even as she became less involved in later years, she never lost touch—regularly popping in with boxes and boxes of cream cakes, always with a kind word and a genuine interest in both staff and members.

June’s warmth, commitment, and enduring support will always be remembered.