About us

We believe people with disabilities deserve to be valued for who they are. By providing recreational, educational, and social opportunities, our children, young people and adults can be themselves and reach their full potential.

We believe that everyone at The Hamlet should be:

• Happy and safe.
• Free to explore choices and opportunities.
• Be encouraged to unlock their potential.
• Be able to communicate in their own way.
• Be fully integrated into the wider community

We deliver a high-quality supportive and nurturing environment which encourages our members to push their limits and achieve things their parents and caregivers sometimes did not know were possible. 

When The Hamlet Charity started life as the Norwich Toy Library, our founders Jack and Margaret Wymer had a clear vision of providing a safe, friendly, welcoming, and fun space for children of all abilities. A place where their families could make social connections and receive support, advice, and guidance.  With dogged determination and persistence their vision grew and to include a range of services for children, young people and adults with complex disabilities and health needs. Today, 50 years on, we are proud to continue their inspirational work.

Join the Team

If you visit one of our centres you will find a dedicated, vibrant and experienced team, working together to support families, children, students and members who access The Hamlet.

Working as part of The Hamlet “family” is a rewarding experience and we are very proud of the services we provide, working hard together to keep our standards high. If you are interested in joining our team then please take a look at the opportunities we have available. 

Please note, you must be over 18 years old (or over 17 years old for bank support worker applications) to apply to work with us. 

The Hamlet is committed to Equality of Opportunity.

All application forms to be sent to admin@thehamletcharity.org.uk or by post to HR Team, The Hamlet Charity, Johnson Place, Norwich, NR2 1SJ.

If you require an alternative method of applying, please give our HR Team a call on 01603 215193 

Volunteer

Be part of The Hamlet family.

Do you want to get involved with The Hamlet and make a difference to the lives of children and adults with disabilities? We want to hear from you! Get in touch today and enjoy being part of The Hamlet.

We have a range of volunteering opportunities at our three centres, on trips out and about in the local area and at events across Norwich. Opportunities vary from partying with members of our Out of Hours Club at a very special night out, to being an elf supporting Father Christmas!

We are always interested to hear what skills and interests you have and how they might support our services. Please get in touch with us to find out more or complete our expression of interest form

Please read our Privacy Notice for Volunteers and Data Retention Period Policy.

Safeguarding Statement  

The Hamlet is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and at risk adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment

All volunteer positions working with children or our adults are subject to satisfactory references and a DBS check.

DBS checks are free to volunteers, but there is an admin fee (TBC) that you will be asked to pay as the company that does the check requires this. It is your check and you will be able to take it with you, so we do not pay for this.

Work Placements

We welcome applications from students on Nursing, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy or other related undergraduate courses who need a work placement working with children or young adults with disabilities and complex health needs. Applications from students studying below undergraduate level may be considered under certain circumstances. Due to the nature of our services we are unable to accept students under 18 years old.

Due to the high demand for places we cannot guarantee that we will be able to place you.

For an informal discussion please contact us