Source: Peterborough Today
WHEN the Helping Hands Group opened nearly a year ago, director Suzanne Gilby had no idea of how popular the education service for adults with learning disabilities would prove to be.
CARLY LEWTHWAITE went along to find out more.
BASED in a smart brick building along Padholme Road East, The Helping Hands Group is a great place to be.
Stepping inside the light, clean and airy building, it is clear to see from the decor what director Suzanne’s favourite colour is!
With a purple theme throughout, the centre has a homely feel to it, and the potential for their 15 current students is clear to see.
The spacious rooms have an array of modern facilities, from a gleaming kitchen through to computers, musical instruments and interactive whiteboards.
Referred to as a ‘breath of fresh air’ for the city, Helping Hands offer further education, personal development and day opportunities for adults with a wide range of disabilities, from autism, sensory impairment, brain injury and PMLD (profound and multiple learning disabilities) to Aspergers syndrome.
The service is paid for using a range of grants available to adults with learning disabilities. The service caters for everyone from the age of 18, with the oldest student currently 40 years old.
Suzanne explained that the popularity of Helping Hands has exceeded her expectations since the centre opened at a cost of £250,000, provided by Peterborough United and Helping Hands Group chairman Darragh MacAnthony.
Darragh jumped on board after speaking with Suzanne’s husband Neil, who works for the club as the man behind Poshlive! and PUTV.
Suzanne said: “We opened in January this year and the number of students we were hoping for has doubled.
“Our 15 students do a range of hours, some only come for one day a week, others for five days.
“It has gone really well and we are looking forward to another successful year.”
Students are assessed on an individual basis to ensure that their timetable suits their needs and abilities. This program is reviewed regularly and is followed by all staff members to ensure continuity.
The courses cover a range of activities, from education and independence skills through to work experience, arts, crafts, cooking, horticulture and IT.
Suzanne said: “We have a complimentary therapist who comes in to the centre and offers relaxing therapies such as head massage and aromatherapy.
“Students also have the use of our new hydrotherapy pool, which has just been installed.”
Complete with a changing area, professional hoist, lights and music, it really is a great addition to the centre.
Suzanne said: “The pool benefits the students in a number of ways. If they have limited movement, the water can relax their muscles and give the freedom of weightlessness that they don’t have when sitting in their wheelchair.
“It is also a sensory experience, with the warmth, light and music and has an all-round positive effect for everyone who uses it. Students who are mobile love it because a spa experience is not something that they would find easily accessible outside of the centre. Everyone loves it!”
I headed upstairs where a small group of students were having a quick break before embarking on a Wii dance session, one of the most popular activities on offer.
Kerrie Woods (19) was proudly showing off her beautiful pink nails and freshly styled hair, courtesy of an earlier beauty session.
Kerrie has been a student since August and said that her favourite activity at Helping Hands is playing dance games on the Wii.
Zoe Forbes (19) also had newly-painted nails, and was taking orders for hot drinks.
As one of the more independent students, Zoe said that she enjoyed making drinks for everyone and that she enjoyed sessions in the new hydrotherapy pool the most!
Zoe’s learning support assistant, Gemma Stent was looking forward to her cup of tea and explained how much she enjoyed working with the students.
She said: “I absolutely love it, I love working here. I never have a day where I don’t want to come into work. I enjoy it so much that I don’t see it as a job. Seeing the progress the students make while they are here makes it all worthwhile.”
Mark Mowvley is a mentor to Ali Hussain (20). He explained what a difference the centre has had on Ali. “When Ali first came here he was really out of his comfort zone and was a little unsure. In just a few months he has learnt so much and is even starting to use the computer.”
Although Helping Hands has achieved a great deal in just a few short months, Suzanne is looking to progress even further.
The service currently runs five days week, but Suzanne has been piloting a few new ideas that she hopes to put into action.
She said: “We have been trialling a few weekend workshops and are looking to hold activities in the evening as well. This is as a result of feedback from parents who have said that their sons and daughters don’t have many options for things to do in the evening and over the weekend.
“We tried some drama workshops and they were really well received.”
Suzanne is also looking at providing outreach services, where staff will be able to visit students and their families in their own home, as well as providing a respite service for parents and carers.
She said: “The service is beneficial for both parties because it gives the young adult a chance to socialise and do things that might be difficult to provide for at home, as well as giving the carer a break.”
Despite the reams of paperwork and work behind the scenes, it is clear that Suzanne and her staff enjoy every moment of it.The success of Helping Hands has spread, with referrals already coming in for students wanting to join in the New Year.
Suzanne said: “If you asked me how much I enjoy my job out of ten, I would say ten million!
“I have worked in this area for 23 years and I just love it. The look on the students’ faces when they are here, enjoying everything and learning to live a more fulfilled life puts everything into perspective.
“It isn’t just a job, we live the dream.”
To find out more you can contact The Helping Hands Group on 01733 561000, email info@thehelpinghandsgroup.org.uk or visit the website www.thehelpinghandsgroup.org.uk
