About Us
Canterbury Oast Trust
Visit COT’s Rare Breeds Centre part of our Life Skills programmes.
Our story
Canterbury Oast Trust (COT) became a registered charity in 1985. It was founded in response to a real need for more personalised care for people with learning disabilities. Our founders, many of whom are still involved today, were mainly parents. They wanted their adult children to have the chance, and the right to live their own independent lives
Today, we support over 80 people with learning disabilities and autism in community-based homes across Kent and another 72 in our day life skills programmes.
Our Mission & Vision
Our work is guided by our mission, vision and values which were developed through engagement events with our supported people, members, staff and trustees and adopted in 2023.
Mission
To empower individuality, achieve happiness and provide high quality in everything we do.
Vision
People with learning disabilities shape an inclusive society where anything is possible.
Our Values
Be courageous
- We embrace challenges and overcome them.
- We speak up for what’s right.
- We show resilience in difficult situations.
Seek opportunities
- We actively pursue new experiences.
- We embrace change and adapt quickly.
- We proactively create opportunities.
Work together
- We actively collaborate with others.
- We communicate openly and transparently.
- We foster a culture of teamwork and respect.
Our services
We provide person-centred services. Our accommodation and life skills programmes are designed to enable people with learning disabilities and autism to live their best life. We aim to ensure supported people are empowered to live with confidence and independence.
Accommodation services
We offer supported living and residential care services at 14 locations in Kent.
Accommodation ServicesLife Skills programmes
We provide both land-based and classroom-based life skills programmes at the Rare Breeds Centre and Poulton Wood.
Life Skills
Our farm
A core part of our services is the Rare Breeds Centre — a 100-acre working farm, family attraction and training space. It provides therapeutic and practical learning for the people we support, while helping fund our charity and furthering our vision of an inclusive society.
Life skills programmes
We offer a variety of life skills programmes for residential and day students on the farm and at our ancient woodland, Poulton Wood. These include art, horticulture, animal care, culinary arts, woodworking, woodland maintenance and customer service. Our Academy also provides classroom and computer-based learning.
These hands-on sessions are not just about learning — they help build confidence, independence, and a real sense of achievement.
Our impact
Want to know more?
Get in contact
If you’re interested in becoming involved with Canterbury Oast Trust in any capacity, or just have questions, we’d love to hear from you! Just follow the link below.