Swindon Inter-Active Arts Service
The service was set-up to pilot community based activities that provide; high levels of stimulation, strong participation for adults with learning difficulties and to be based in and supported by a local community.
The service is very popular with learners and highly endorsed by carers and parents who report that learners have developed increased social and communication skills.
The service provides a weekly interactive arts, crafts and drama session for 15 – 28 learners with varying levels of learning difficulty, the service is run from Saint Andrews Church, Moredon, Swindon.
The sessions start with a group welcome and news of each person's week developing memory and listening, followed by a teacher led activity; storytelling,bread/biscuit making, cooking, modelling, craft work, concrete sculptures, drumming, drama, model making, dance, nature walks.
Storytelling has become a strong feature at the start of the day along with friendship making and group work. The service also provides carers with stimulating examples of using craft work as a way of building relationships.
The cost of materials is covered by the sessional charge to learners of £8.00 per day. The staffing includes a support worker and a lead tutor with and overall manager. Church members and volunteers also support the sessions and on average there are usually 5 care-workers. This gives us a ratio of 2:1. Care workers are shown how to assist and are required to take part in all the sessions.
We aim to run over 45 weeks with the centre open from 9.30 AM to 3.00 PM actual sessions start Morning session 10.00 - 12.00 Lunch 12.00 - 1.00 Afternoon session 1.00 - 2.30
Contact name
Sarah Purnell
Address
St Andrews Methodist Church Moredon Road
Moredon
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN25 3DF
Tel
07786970458
Email
sarahpurnell@gmail.com