A year ago Heart of England Community energy awarded a £5,000 grant to The Crafty Lunch Club CIC, a social group for adults with learning and/or physical disabilities to meet others and most importantly have fun. This funding has played a crucial role in expanding their services, allowing more individuals to benefit from their enriching activities and essential support.
With a growing demand for their services, the group utilised the grant to hire the entire community centre, effectively doubling their available space. This expansion has enabled them to welcome more attendees, including those using wheelchairs and individuals who prefer quieter, less stimulating environments. Beth Clarke, one of the organisers shared:
“The £5000 grant has been absolute invaluable to our group and I am excited to share the impact your generosity has had… We have been able to offer a more relaxed room for those who it can be quite overwhelming in the busy room. To provide a safe, quiet space has been invaluable to so many people who attend.”
To accommodate the increased number of participants, the group invested in a wide range of craft materials and activities, providing valuable experiences for the 45 adults who attend weekly. Over the past six months, the number of attendees has grown, with 62 different adults with disabilities participating.
As food is a central aspect of their gatherings, the group also allocated part of the grant towards meals, which have been supplemented by generous donations from a local farm shop. Additionally, they brought in local professionals, such as karate experts and dance instructors, to introduce new and exciting experiences! Specialist equipment, including adapted cutlery and sensory items, were also purchased, to support attendees with profound disabilities. Beth added that:
“The specialist equipment has meant we can better serve those who attend with profound disabilities. This equipment is very expensive but in starting to grow our resources we are able to open our group up to people with more varied needs.”
The grant has been a game-changer for The Crafty Lunch Club. Without it, the group would have had to limit attendance, but instead they have been able to accommodate an average of 45 adults per week, totalling 1350 beneficiaries over 30 sessions! The group has also welcomed 71 different carers, ensuring the necessary support for those attending.
“Without your [HECE’s] geneoristy our group would have had to cap numbers and begun turning people away. We have people travel up to 30 miles each way which demonstrates the need for people in our local area.” - Beth Clarke
The expanded space and resources have created a more inclusive and supportive environment. The quiet room has provided a safe haven for those who find the main area overwhelming, while the specialist equipment has enabled the group to cater to a wider range of needs. People who attened the sessions provide the following Feedback to the Crafty Lunch Club:
“The Crafty Lunch Club is the best day of my week. I get to see my friends and do a different crafts which I love. We always have so much fun.” - Lauren
“Bringing clients to the club has made such a difference to them. We have seen the people we support grow in confidence and make local friends. They talk about The Crafty Lunch Club all week! It’s so nice for us carers to come and do different things too and have a chat with other people too. We all fight over who can come each week!” - Carer
About Heart of England Community Energy's Grant Fund:
HECE’s community grant fund uses surplus income from our solar farms to support an annual small grants fund dedicated to supporting the local community. We are looking to fund two types of projects:
Community benefit projects: Initiatives that focus on social benefit, aiming to alleviate individuals from fuel poverty and social deprivation.
Carbon reduction projects: Initiatives that have a positive environmental impact, contributing to carbon reduction efforts within our local area.
Grant applications are reviewed quarterly. If you have a fantastic project like The Crafty Lunch Club CIC, visit our funding page for more details.
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