Mission Partner: ALDAG
Living with 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. Due to the pandemic restrictions, we held small social group activities outside sometimes meeting in people’s gardens or going further afield to play Crazy Golf. The Butlins holiday break was replaced very successfully with a camping trip. As things begin to open larger groups can get together and friends can meet up, our club nights are sometimes the only opportunity for long standing friends to see each other. We currently have vacancies for Buddies who can befriend between two or three young people and enjoy an evening out together doing the sort of things that every young person likes to do. If you would like to be a buddy and have fun, please email us at info@aldag.org.uk
Our craft workshop is gradually opening up providing an opportunity to learn new craft skills as well as providing a valuable social activity. Phoenix House in Ashtead is next to the railway station with easy access, and it links to our Re Use It shop ethos supporting upcycling and recycling. Skills may include creative techniques as well as practical applications such as woodwork or assembling three-dimensional materials and becoming proficient in tool handling. The mental health benefit of social activities contributes to the development of confidence and self-esteem, helps to reduce anxiety, promotes a sense of accomplishment, and encourages improved memory, concentration as well as problem solving – all of which may be addressed through crafting. If you would like to support this new venture, please email us at info@aldag.org.uk
Our work opportunities are all firmly embedded into their local communities. In Leatherhead the gardening team continue to produce vegetables and flowers from their allotment donating their produce to foodbanks during the lockdowns. Our team are very much part of the wider allotment community joining Clear Up Sundays to help tidy up the area. In Dorking, our Re-Use It shop has developed a faithful following and our shop assistants are learning both generic and retail skills. Our apprentice will finish his course in the autumn and hopefully will be able to move onto a paid job. In Ashtead we are running a delicious afternoon tea café in St George’s Christian Centre from 2.30 – 5pm over the summer months, please come and join us!