PASTEL Community Interest Company, based in Suffolk, is here to pro-actively support the personal and social development of children and young people, aged 11-25 and disadvantaged by circumstances or environment - especially those with learning difficulties and/or learning disabilities. PASTEL is a transition training social enterprise, managed by parent/carers. We are committed to improving the life chances of clients - to prevent social isolation, move towards independence and help them become active in the community, especially with respect to employment.

PASTEL has developed transition training workshops to deliver key soft, and life skills. This training is embedded in such activities as drama, shadow puppetry, ball games, music, food preparation, media studies and other fun pursuits, which take place in a safe and friendly environment at the new PASTEL venue - The Riverside Centre at Stratford St.Andrew, Suffolk.

PASTEL is a recognised Open College Network training centre able to deliver nationally-recognised accreditations to clients, in the form of Entry Level, Level 1 & Level 2 certificates and awards. The programmes are devised with and delivered by professional tutors and are sustained throughout the year.

Above all, PASTEL will be focussing on clients developing their "soft skills" eg building their self-esteem and confidence and gaining skills in communicating, decision making and team work, which can be transferred into other aspects of their lives. The needs of clients are placed at the heart of service design as well as service delivery. All PASTEL clients become regular particpants in the PASTEL Client Panel and, through action learning, help shape the continuous programme of improvements. They are a key and integral part of PASTEL's decision-making.

PASTEL has introduced the nationally-recognised PQASSO Quality Assurance system and will be looking for the PQASSO Mark in due course.

PASTEL will also be producing local public performances and events to build the confidence and self-esteem of clients and to demonstrate their skills and potential. PASTEL is developing a DIY "Working Model & Toolkit" for other Parent/Carers to adopt and adapt the PASTEL programme in their area - capacity building by replication.

In pursuing its aims to support the personal development and transition plans of our clients, PASTEL will also actively seek to work in partnership with other public sector, private sector and third sector organisations. The ultimate goal is to improve the active citizenship and employment prospects of our clients.

PASTEL is an independent and innovative organisation, blending the spiritual side of a charitable enterprise with a wealth of business experience - with the deep passion and commitment that only comes from Parent/Carers. Any surpluses will be ploughed back into the service of supporting people with additional needs.

This website was last updated on Sunday, June 29th, 2008.