| With this in mind, we
started applying for funding to establish a Day Centre. Our first
aim is to LISTEN to the needs of our clients and then seek challenging
ways of addressing these needs. We already have been successful
in partnering with the C.A.B. and Salisbury College. C.A.B. have
provided advice on hand and the College ran a series of courses
to develop the skills of our clients, both resident and non-resident.
We also aim to run many activities away from our base and, in time,
to develop some work experience programmes.
The Lottery Charities Board awarded us one third of a million
pounds for this work in 1996 over a three year period, which got
us off to an excellent start. As well as funding salaries and equipment,
it has facilitated the purchase of a 16 seater Mini Bus.
At the end of 2000 we received £230,000 from an ESF bid
to continue developing this service.
At our site at Barford St. Martin we have a well-equipped woodworking
facility and a computer suite and training room. We are developing
new activities, which will include pottery, weaving and bricklaying
courses. We are also looking at developing close links with a local
school on an environmental science project through which we hope
to reclaim some derelict ground to develop a pond.
On some adjoining land we hope to erect some poly tunnels and
develop a horticultural project to help move clients on into independence. |