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Read MoreA Cheshire charity that supports adults with autism and learning difficulties has been awarded £60,000 by the Steve Morgan Foundation so they can appoint a community engagement co-ordinator.
Creating Adventures was founded by Jenny Allcock in 2016 and saw a four-fold increase in its core membership during the pandemic as other services were forced to close.
Jenny said she felt like she was ‘swimming in treacle’ trying to do everything herself until the Steve Morgan Foundation stepped in to help with a £60,000 windfall spread over three years.
She said: “It’s already made a huge difference. As well as providing us with security and growing awareness it will allow me to grow the charity.”
Jenny was working at The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, near Altrincham, which provides a variety of programmes for terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged children from all over the North West, when she noticed a lack in provision for adults with autism and learning difficulties.
The result was she set up Creating Adventures six years ago and began running weekly sessions and annual events to help tackle social isolation and give participants more opportunities to try new things and increase their confidence.
The charity runs its sessions across multiple sites in Warrington and is currently looking for new premises.
Activities include Zumba, choir, cookery, chocolate-making, dance, music, a talent show, party night and sports festival.
Through these sessions, members are able to develop friendships, learn new skills and help them live as independently as is possible.
Jenny said: “The need for our services was never greater than during the pandemic. I could never see us stopping but rather we needed to step up and do more.
“Our core members increased from around 20 before Covid to 80 now. We have four activities a week, with a fifth on its way.
“It was all falling on me and I felt I was swimming in treacle and that the members deserved more.
“I contacted the Steve Morgan Foundation and they were brilliant.”
The £60,000 grant will pay for dedicated community engagement co-ordinator, who will be responsible for organising activities and events, recruiting new members, and creating and maintaining links with the wider community.
The charity work with organisations including Warrington Youth Club and Macintyre, which provides help with supported living.
