In my time in education I have done some work with youngsters with learning difficulties, mostly behavioural probalems. However, I've never really given much thought to what happens to students with learning difficulties once they leave school. I assumed that there would be appropriate provision and support out there. A recent conversation with Anna Joyce of the Southwell Care Project opened my eyes a bit.
The Care Project was the chosen charity for this year's Southwell Folk Festival where I was on the media team. Anna, Social Enterprise Manager, spoke with a great deal of passion about the project. The government has recently changed the way funding works and, unless organisations like the Southwell Care Project can adapt, their services will be lost to clients. In fact, Anna pointed out that there is a high level of depression amongst adults with learning difficulties which can sometimes lead to them requiring psychiatric care. This can come at a higher financial cost.
The project offers courses such as healthy cooking, money management, basic skills, arts and crafts, singing, drama and tailored courses. These are not only educational and confidence building but also alllow clients to integrate with members of the wider community enhancing their quality of life. Although there are pots of money to bid for and some clients have personal allowances that can be spent on services, Southwell Care Project now needs to be run as a business. It must ensure it generates enough income to sustain itself and even expand. The project currently operates in Southwell and Newark and plans are afoot for a centre in Mansfield.
At the festival Anna and her team had carefully designed their stall to offer activities which encouraged members of the public to talk with the team or engage in activities with the clients. Apparently the public is less keen to interact with adults with learning difficulties than with younsters. For the project the festival was more than just a fund raising opportunitiy. It was a chance to get the message out there.
I don't know whether this is an example of Big Society but the Southwell Care Project deserves all our praise and support.
For more information visit: www.southwellcare.org .
