WARRINGTON based charity Creating Adventures has secured almost £10,000 of National Lottery funding to help shine a light on the lives of adults living with autism and learning disabilities after the virus threatened to leave them isolated.
The Funding will help expand the existing team at Creating Adventures with the appointment of a dedicated Community Liaison Officer to help members and to grow links with the community and businesses in the area.
The Charity based in Birchwood was founded by 42-year-old local resident Jenny Allcock who set out to enrich the lives of adults with Autism and Learning Disabilities by providing activities that help them to shine such as a Beautiful Noise Choir, Art Club, Zumba, a monthly Nightclub and annual Sports Festival and Christmas party.
Jenny set up from home in June 2016 after discovering there was limited support for adults with additional needs once they left the education system. Her ambition was to uncover hidden talents and offer enjoyment and enrichment through the various activities which she delivered in partnership with others such as Choirmaster and teacher Angie Smith.
Jenny explains what happened as Covid19 hit earlier this year: “We became aware that during lockdown 1 in 2 disabled people felt even more lonely and isolated than ever. As day centres closed and activities were placed on hold due to staff being furloughed, I was approached by council representatives and providers to increase the activities offered by Creating Adventures.”
Around 45 adults with autism and learning disabilities and their families and carers now enjoy the activities as the charity has adapted to comply with Government rules by moving activities online. There has been a further surge in demand which is why Jenny applied for the National Lottery Funding.
“I knew we could touch more lives if we had more resources but we were all at capacity and needed to grow the team which the funding will allow us to do.”
The role will be taken up by Communications Specialist Jo Leah who will join Creating Adventures next month.
