Who we are
Abbey Recreational Craft Centre is a place where disabilities and mental health matters. For the past four years we have been supporting our community in person and supporting as many people as we can through arts, crafts and creating a safe caring environment.
Our story
Our craft centre is based in the heart of Torquay Town Centre. Abbey Hall has a rich history, opening on 28 April 1853 as a 'British School'. Abbey Hall has tonnes of space and we have ambitious plans to create a community & cultural hub!
From our time together and the different crafters / teachers coming in, we have managed to create arts and crafts that have been used for gifts as well as to raise money for our group.
Since Covid we have found that so many people have developed mental health issues, as well as becoming more withdrawn due to the closure of many social organisations that they used to attend.
Our group has started to grow, and we now have more members who are gaining more confidence around small groups of people whilst offering them a safe space to be a part of.
We currently run a monthly craft fair, which allows local crafters to sell their arts and crafts in a friendly environment, without the worry of having outdoor/large pitches or having to carry large amounts of stock. From this we also offer rent a shelves, for crafters who feel they want to show their crafts, but don't feel confident about having a stall just yet.
The response has been amazing and from this we are now doing pop up Thursday, where we offer stalls to anyone who wants to showcase their crafts during the week, as we know some struggle to have a stall over the weekends due to other commitments.
Whilst working with the group we have found that there are a lack of facilities in the Torbay area which can offer a variety of arts, crafts and skill based learning which can be adapted to the abilities of our members who want to learn new skills.
Our idea
On discussions with the NHS, Mental Health and Disability Support Groups we have found there is a significant lack of facilities within the bay.
Conversations with local crafters have told us there is a wealth of knowledge, skills and the want to help teach and show their skills in a learning environment.
As we are all aware the high street is slowly dying and online shopping and craft markets are on the rise, which is bringing back the old skills like crochet, knitting, glass etching etc. On further research we have found that City & Guilds are now offering a course in crafting, which can be adapted to a huge variety of crafts as well as other skill sets.
Our idea is to create a City & Guilds Training Centre that can offer Crafting Qualifications to all in a positive learning environment. City and Guilds have developed a crafting qualification which can be adapted to a multitude of crafts and be delivered whilst working to the individuals specific needs. As the course will all be skills based and completed over a number of weeks, this will ease the pressure of the learner as well as ensuring there is a fun element to learning.
Many in our community have found that they have been prevented from certain activities due to the need of extra support or the adaption to the basic way the training / teaching is delivered.
From our team we have NVQ assessors and trainers that have worked within the training industry and fully understand the needs of the learners. The portfolios will all be devised and created so the learners can see how they are developing and see the entire learning process in a positive manner.
We understand that courses cost money so we will apply for funding so all our learners can achieve a qualification without the financial burden of having to pay for it.
Our crafters will be our teachers and trainers, and whilst doing this it will give them the opportunity to gain a training qualification for doing something they love. On completion of each qualification there is the ability to gain further skills and qualifications on higher levels.
With the technology we have today we will also be able to offer Zoom classes with teachers across the country in our centre meaning any course will be possible.
Our centre will become a cultural hub reflecting the mix of people in Torbay, offering gallery space. We plan to host a vibrant programme of events & activities from more pop-up markets to film nights, from well-being events to environmental activities, gigs to specialist sensory and disabled activities.. whatever the community wants. It's a blank canvas waiting to be filled.
Along side this, we will have a community cafe, offering affordable warm meals, a pay forward service, for those struggling to pay for meals as well as a warm, safe space for all.
To see more of what we do take a look at our website https://abbeyrecreationalcrafts.co.uk/
Why do we need funding?
We need to raise funds to make this happen. This means the start up cost for this project is not readily available. All of the money we make goes back into supporting our group. We feel these qualifications could significantly impact the lives of people with disabilities in our community who currently do not have the opportunities to continue to develop skills and further themselves academically.
The money we would receive would go towards the following:
Gaining City and Guilds accreditation
Administration
Equipment for students to use at the centre
Electronic equipment for Zoom courses
Development of courses and equipment to deliver in house courses
Funding for in house courses that cannot be covered by government funding
Refurbishing kitchen facilities
Decorating hall