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.
|