Charity and community: The

FUNDING THE WAY FORWARD

Behind the smart, sliding doors of a building in Newport’s Dodnor Industrial Estate, a warm and inclusive community exists where people with learning disabilities receive the support and skills needed to grow their confidence and live independently

Foundation Way Forward -: Lucy Dreyer and Tracey Hill (Way Forward Programme) and Samantha O’Rourke (Island Roads/Isle of Wight Foundation)

‘The new kitchen is a great help in encouraging the independence and self-worth of our customers’

This thriving community is The Way Forward Programme, part of the Isle of Wight-based charity Osel Enterprises which was established in 1988 to provide training and employment for people with disabilities and autism.

The Way Forward’s base is a welcoming day centre, providing community support, training and employment for up to 100 customers. The centre has evolved over the years to provide a flexible space with a wide range of facilities, fully accessible to allow people with mobility issues and visual impairments to engage in varied activities – from art and dance to formal qualifications. More recently it has been able to adapt and improve its kitchen facilities thanks to a grant from the Isle of Wight Foundation, a grant-giving organisation run by Island Roads. The funding transformed the kitchen into a fully accessible space, allowing clients and staff to prepare simple meals independently and cater for others making use of the day centre. “Our clients love being able to cook for themselves and others. The new kitchen is a great help in encouraging the independence and self-worth of our customers,” said Tracey Hill, Chief Executive at The Way Forward. “As well as the funding, we also receive help from Island Roads with a dedicated member of staff to help with the projects. Our experience with the foundation has been hugely positive and we are very grateful for their support,” said Tracey. Philip Horton, chairman of the Isle of Wight Foundation said, “We are incredibly proud to help organisations like The Way Forward and are pleased to see members of the Island’s community benefiting from such innovative projects. We look forward to receiving more applications from local groups during 2021.” Applications for this year’s funding round can be made until Monday 7th May 2021. For full details, visit the Isle of Wight Foundation section of the Island Roads website at islandroads. com.

The Way Forward Programme www.wayforwardprogramme.org.uk