Mission Partner: ALDAG
ALDAG’S vision is to advance the social inclusion of people with learning disabilities
Social Skills: Everyone needs friends. Through all our social activities we support our young members in maintaining friendships and building new ones in a supportive environment. Social activities support the development of confidence and self-esteem, as well as helping to reduce potential anxieties.
2021 had its challenges due to the continuing pandemic. This had a significant impact on our social activities, due to the vulnerability of our young people. Activities needed to take place largely outside. At times there was a restriction on the number of people at any one event. Everyone was encouraged to join activities to keep those friendships going, although at times we had to rely on zoom. A learning disability should not stop anyone from leading an active and enjoyable life, or from being supported to get out and about in their local community. The larger groups provide a familiar place to meet up with friends and enjoy a variety of activities together. Our small groups and holiday breaks enable the young people to access leisure activities in the wider community.
Work Skills: Our voluntary employment opportunities were less affected by the pandemic and we provided thirty work experience placements over the year. We developed our partnership working with FE colleges as well as Surrey Choices and have welcomed trainees on different pathways. Our supported voluntary employment opportunities provide a range of work skills training (catering, horticultural and retail) for people with a range of disabilities.
In Dorking we run a charity shop Re-Use It and a café in partnership with a church (Open Doors). In Leatherhead we run a gardening project, managing a large allotment producing flowers and vegetables, as well as paid work in the community. Our new recycling craft workshop next to Ashtead station provides yet another choice of work experience to develop practical skills.
2021 was also a time for planning for our next venture Cups & Co, a coffee shop in Dorking High Street. We were successful in acquiring a shop property in a great central location as well as grants to support the setup of the project. Opening end of July – keep a look out for your invitation!
Tony Leach