This section is designed to give you the outline information relating to our plans and programmes to deliver personal development training for those with special needs.

The PASTEL vision is: People with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are active in the community, for life.

The PASTEL mission is to help clients on their way to live fulfilling lives in their local communities and, in particular, to go on to enter the world of work.

We will always strive to be inclusive in all aspects of ourwork and we are driven by the passion and commitment of parent/carers and the service users.

PASTEL aims to achieve its soft skills training outcomes by embedding the training in fun activities eg (eg mime, drama, puppetry, music, food preparation, media studies etc...) and provide a sustainable organisation and facilities where people with learning disabilities can meet, socialise and learn and improve the quality of their life, in a safe and friendly environment.

PASTEL is being managed and developed by Parent/Carer supported by specialist tutors and other professionals, as required.

PASTEL is developing a sustained programme balancing physical activities with intellectual and cognitive activities. Physical activities may address balance, clumsiness, concentration, coordination, eye/hand coordination, suppleness of the joints, etc…Intellectual and cognitive activities may address communication, independence skills, maths, reading, self-confidence, social skills, visual and spatial awareness, writing, etc...

The current Transition Training programme focuses on 5 outcomes: 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.

These innovative workshops are running fortnightly throughout 2008. Planning has already started for further enhancements in 2009. Newcomers can join at any time and, once registered, they participate in a continuous, but changing, programme. However, the workshops do not function as a drop in facility and clients, once registered, are expected to attend regularly, as they would school or college - except that PASTEL workshops continue throughout school/college half-terms and annual holidays.

For newcomers (and their Parent/Carers), the first one or two sessions will be "taster sessions" to assess whether they are enjoying themselves and give us some idea of their needs and wants. The workshops are held at the new Riverside Centre at Stratford St.Andrew, IP17 1LL (on the A12) and run from 10.30am for 5 hours until 3.30pm. There is a nominal suggested contribution of £5 per workshop, as a contribution towards the cost of hiring the facilities. Clients will need to bring a packed lunch. For those clients unable to make their own way, Parent/Carers will need to provide transport for their son/daughter.

PASTEL operates a comprehensive range of Quality Standards, including a Vulnerable Child and Adult Protection Policy and Procedures, Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety and Data Protection. Where appropriate, all involved have enhanced CRB checks. PASTEL also operates Induction Policies for Clients, Tutors and Volunteers.

The Admission Policy requires Clients to have a diagnosis of a learning difficulty and/or disability (mild/moderate/severe), have independent personal care skills and be able to demonstrate a minimum level of compliance necessary for his/her development, and to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.

PASTEL cannot offer nusing/one-to-one support, but clients are welcome to bring a carer to support them at the workshops.