Bournemouth, Charity | Posted on September 17th, 2025 | return to news

Bournemouth disability charity opens new offices

A charity helping disabled adults start their own businesses has officially opened the doors to its new home in Richmond Hill Gardens.

A Bournemouth-based charity which helps disabled adults launch their own businesses has officially opened the doors to its new home, The SAMEE House, in Richmond Hill Gardens.

SAMEE (Support and Mentoring Enabling Entrepreneurship) is an internationally recognised charity. Its two-year Supported Self-Employment Internship programme offers intensive mentoring and training to adults with complex needs, including learning difficulties, long-term health conditions, and neurodivergence. The interns learn essential self-employment skills and gain relevant work experience ahead of embarking on their journey into entrepreneurship.

Previously, SAMEE operated from hotel spaces. But with the opening of The SAMEE House, the charity now offers a permanent, inclusive environment tailored to its interns’ needs.

The official opening took place on Monday 15 September and was led by Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Jackie Edwards, with guests including Bournemouth East Labour MP Tom Hayes, representatives for Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale, David McArthur MBE from JobCentre Plus, and SAMEE trustees.

Tom Hayes MP said: “This is such a unique space — combining learning with a supportive, community feel. Seeing the interns’ artwork, fashion items and marketing literature on display is a testament to their progress.”

The new offices were named by the interns because it makes them feel at home and comfortable. The SAMEE House features training rooms, one-to-one meeting spaces, an airy mezzanine for group meetings and a specially designed sensory room for quiet time. The sensory room features bean bags, fish tanks, muted lighting, cuddly toys, lava floor tiles and light-up rugs.

The House also has ‘Steve’s Place’, named after an inspirational mentor Steve Harrison, who passed away just a month ago. So dedicated to the work of SAMEE, Steve continued supporting interns even from his hospital bed.

Founder and CEO Samantha Everard said: “It’s always been our dream to have a space where vulnerable young adults can grow in confidence and independence. The SAMEE House is already proving to be that special place.”

One of the interns, 22-year-old Tyler Burt, added: “The SAMEE House is so much better for us. It’s our own special space where we can learn and feel comfortable.”

To learn more about SAMEE and its services, visit https://samee.co.uk.