Reduce social isolation in young people with disabilities, SEN and autism.
Improve life skills and independence.
To discover new skills and develop transferable skills.
Increase self-esteem, confidence, self-worth and give a purpose/aim.
To gain a work ethic and work related skills.
Reduce mental health issues and promote well-being.
To give carers/parents respite, support and peer support.
Reduce stress and provide coping strategies.
To give the young people the same opportunities as everyone else.
We promote mentorship and volunteering within the group.
We support young people with learning disabilities and complex needs aged 15+ in Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde, giving them the chance to gain essential life, social and work skills and to develop confidence whilst having fun. This reduces social isolation, improves quality of life and gives them the same opportunities as everyone else.
We work very closely with our members to ensure we are meeting their needs and the needs of their parents/carers. We also promote inclusion and diversity within the community.
Our projects
Social project:
This concentrates on social skills including table etiquette, team work, confidence building, trips out into the community and having fun. We include relaxation and art therapy to improve mental health and wellbeing.
We raise awareness of all aspects of wellbeing including the importance of healthy eating and online safety. We regularly discuss the wellbeing benefits of reducing time on social media and gaming and discourage the use of phones during sessions to increase social skills and friendships.
Enterprise, Life skills and Wellbeing project:
Enterprise - during these sessions the young people learn how to research/make quality products and follow the process through to include sourcing materials, costing, stock control and onto selling with customer service skills. This is done at pop up shops in the local community. Improving life, work related and customer service skills and developing relationships with the local community.
Life skills - we teach healthy eating/shopping, cooking, using public transport, eating out, socialising skills and exercise. We include how to use household appliances, managing a budget, trips out in the community and many other life skills.
Wellbeing - In the wellbeing section we include relaxation/mindfulness, adult colouring/crafts and song/dance. We include sessions on keeping safe online and managing time spent on social media and gaming. Coping strategies and confidence building are just a few of the other things we concentrate on during these sessions.
Holiday sessions:
During holiday periods we combine a little from the Social, Life skills and Wellbeing projects
Involvement of our members:
We regularly involve and discuss with our young people what they want from Sam's Place to ensure we are meeting their needs and we tailor our sessions accordingly.
We have some of our longer standing members as volunteers and we also have some of our young people who mentor new members.
