Independence at Home marks 60th Anniversary of the Charity’s Founding
Patron, The Rt Hon. the Lord Astor of Hever PC DL, and the Trustees of Independence at Home, were delighted to welcome guests to a special 60th Anniversary Reception to mark the charity’s impact since it’s foundation on 14th October 1965.
The reception was held on Thursday 16th October 2025 at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AH, a stunning events venue and home to The British Academy. The cost of the reception and collateral were fully covered through support from Evelyn Partners and a very generous individual – we are extremely grateful to both.
Guests included representation from the Independence at Home current and former Trustees and staff, volunteers, Charitable Trusts and individual donors, corporate suppliers, referring organisations and grant beneficiaries. One of the highlights was the bringing together of three former Chief Executives with Melanie Derbyshire who has been in post since September 2021.
We were also delighted to welcome Brian Page and his family to the reception. Brian is the son of Doris Page (better known by her pen name ‘Ann Armstrong’. It was through Ann’s courage and determination to be allowed home from hospital even though she had contracted polio and relied on an iron lung for every breath, that John Astor MP for Newbury gave his support to the founding of the charity originally called Invalids at Home. The new name, Independence at Home, was adopted in 2007.
Guests were also visibly moved to hear from Emily Nunns, who had been supported by the charity with a grant towards a piece of specialist disability equipment back in 2022. Emily summed up the true impact of Independence at Home by describing the life-changing difference that the equipment had made, not only to her day-to-day life but also to the lives of her family, friends and local community.
All in all, the reception was a great success and a wonderful tribute to everyone involved in the charity’s foundation and evolution to date.
Find out more about the charity’s fascinating 60-year history here.
Speeches from the reception are available on the YouTube video links below:
Patron & Chairman: https://youtu.be/Wfo0mD0Uz5k
Chief Executive & Guest Speaker: https://youtu.be/CSZdwmmBg1s