More than 100 people visited our Northampton site last week for a special open event, where attendees had the opportunity to find out about activities and day services available across the county.
Part of St Andrew’s Healthcare, we provide vocational opportunities for people with mental illness, learning disabilities, autism or brain injuries. The centre opened its doors for an open event on Thursday 16 November which featured a variety of workshops, including cupcake decorating, terracotta clay dish design, sewing demonstrations and woodwork.
Chloe Dowell, Service Manager for Workbridge, explained: “As well as providing a chance to visit our unique environment – where our service users develop their skills, increase their confidence and uncover new hobbies and interests in a supported setting – this special event also welcomed other providers from across the region. Together we offered attendees advice around accessing vocational development and support services, as well as advising school leavers on the ‘next steps’ open to them.”
Exhibitors at the event included Northampton County Council’s Local Offer Team, Northamptonshire Adult Social Services, Olympus Care, The Bee Hive, Sweet Bee, Freedom Leisure, Mentaur Group, Brixworth Nursery Farm, Northgate School, Rehab Basics, Suncare Services and Northamptonshire Sport.
Graeme from Northamptonshire Sport, explained: “It was great to see so many people there from other provider organisations, people who support disabled people and most importantly the disabled people themselves! Hopefully I was able to help signpost some of them to appropriate physical activity opportunities, educate others about the importance of physical activity and enlighten them on how they can go about providing opportunities too.“
Each week around 250 people access our services to build upon their work and life skills.
