Building Back - Activities for Learning Disabled

Aim

To address the needs of learning disabled young people who have disproportionally affected by the pandemic.

The Ethel Trust operates a community barge, providing day and residential canal and river experiences for the most disadvantaged groups in South Yorkshire. Established in 1988, the Trust’s volunteers have this year received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteers.

Public Health England have recently reported that disabled people have been disproportionally affected by the Covid 19 pandemic, with over 30 times the risk of death than the rest of the population.

Our project is to provide learning disabled young people with a day on our community barge, to help improve their self confidence in tackling new challenges, and develop teamwork and social skills.

In addition to being at greater risk, these youngsters have found it difficult to understand the limitations imposed by ‘lockdown’ and to comply with prevention and social distancing guidance.  This has impacted on their already reduced level of social activity and opportunity.

The project will enable them to experience a series of structured activities including steering the boat, helping with locks and bridges, and working as a team to support one another.

The funding will cover all the costs for 40 learning disabled young people to participate in the project. This is an opportunity to improve the lives of a group who have been one of the most affected by the pandemic.

This project successfully funded on 21st September 2021