County Durham Community Foundation 
A County Durham CIC is offering a lockdown lifeline to adults with learning difficulties thanks to charity funding.
Charity Lifeline
Endeavour Woodcrafts, in Ferryhill, offers education and skill building around woodwork and crafts. But the day service for adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues has been closed because of Coronavirus.
Instead, they are keeping in touch with their students by delivering a pack each week full of fun things to do. A grassroots grant of £800 from CDCF has helped fund the project.
So excited
Carole King from Endeavour Woodcrafts, said: “Our volunteers have been delivering the packs and everyone is so excited to see them.
“It’s also good for their parents and carers, because it gives them an hour to sit and have a cup of tea and a rest.
“Your funding has given us a legitimate reason to call round and check everyone is okay. You can ring people but there’s nothing like seeing them. If something does go wrong we can spot it early on and intervene. Our volunteers chat for as long as people want to, and they know what questions to ask.”
25 years of funding
County Durham Community Foundation is 25 years old. In that time, 45 million in grants has been given to groups like Endeavour Woodcrafts, and individuals who make a real difference.
More information
Endeavour Woodcrafts CIC is a day service for adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues. They provide education and learning in woodworking and arts and crafts set in a work based environment.
The aim is to offer support in a safe and reassuring workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect to ensure all service users are encouraged to reach their full potential in line with their care plan.
They teach life skills to promote independent living – tailored to each individual.
Carole added:
“It’s a lifeline for them. They come to us for support and education and care but they are given more than that. We were always meant to be a ‘through service’ into work, but that’s not going to happen in this economic climate.
“Delivering the packs has lots of benefits. We can make sure everyone is okay and check on their mental health. They are excited to see us and the packs give them some stimulation and something fun to do.
“Yes, lots of us are at home at the moment, but when you are caring for an adult with behavioural difficulties it’s hard. Sometimes they can be misbehaving badly and it’s a lot for their parents to cope with.
“We are visiting two adults who live in sheltered accommodation. So we made mini packs for the other residents who didn’t understand why they weren’t getting anything.”
