PROMISE Inclusion is a user-led independent charity that works with people with learning disabilities and/or autism, their families and their carers, in Wokingham and Bracknell Forest.
The organisation runs a day service, called Gateway, for its members, and is looking for more people to come and enjoy the benefits it offers.
Gateway day sessions are for people aged 18 and over, and take place weekly.
They provide a place to grow in confidence and life skills as members take part in the group’s Gateway Award.
This is a life skills programme of activities designed to give members an opportunity to experience real challenges, express creativity, increase their confidence and independence, and gain a sense of personal achievement.
There are five Gateway Award units for members to complete, with levels awarded at bronze, silver, and gold levels.
“It can take around a year to complete the first level,” said development manager Victoria Sheridan.
“These are real life challenges to complete, but there’s no pressure on people.
“It’s is a place to come and make friends and have fun above all.”
Activites covered include: hobbies, volunteering, adventure challenge, lifestyle, and fitness, with each award level being made accessible to all.
“The Gateway Award is for people of all abilities,” said Ms Sheridan.
“For example, the volunteering module might involve spending a day helping out in a charity shop, but it could also be offering to do housework at home.
“And the adventure challenge might be working towards a night under canvas for some, but may also be planning a bus journey, or following an orienteering course with guide pictures instead of a map.
“Our healthy eating module could involve a trip to the supermarket to learn about red and green ingredients labelling, or it might be planning a meal, and then making it at home.
“Gateway really is a chance to learn new skills and grow in confidence, and it’s for everyone.”
People are encouraged to record what they have achieved and learnt in a scrap book.
The hobbies section, led by the group, has seen members enjoy sewing projects, cooking, and pottery painting, while in fitness, and lifestyle units, the group can learn about a healthy lifestyle, first aid and safety.
“We’d like to let more people know about the Gateway Award, and to join us.
“Anyone interested can try it out, and we’d love them to come along and have fun.
“There’s a warm welcome here, friends to be made, and the chance to enjoy making progress.
“One of our members, who normally only eats her own lunch box food, made the leap of buying a sandwich in a shop recently, and eating it out during a walk in town.
“That’s about feeling more confident being in the community.”
Gateway Award sessions take place weekly at the Wokingham Hub, at Waterford House, Erfstadt Court.
Sessions are on Thursday mornings from 9.30am until 1.30pm with a break for a bring-your-own lunch.
They cost £25 each.
To enrol for awards costs £21, payable after a trial period.
Promise Inclusion membership costs £20 annually in January, and gives access to other clubs, services, information and the charity’s insurance cover.
To join the group, email: gateway@promiseinclusion.org, or call Emma Boxill on: 0300 7778 539 or 07827 340407.
For more information, visit: www.promiseinclusion.org
