ACTIVITY DAYS

Activity days for adults with disabilities are about to get even better – with the introduction of delicious freshly prepared food.

Golden Days is a supported activity group in Northallerton that provides a warm, safe space with a full programme of events for people needing care and support.

Run by award winning charity Avalon, the sessions are tailored to meet the needs of adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health conditions, acquired brain injuries, autism and more.

They also allow some respite for families in the knowledge that their loved ones are enjoying stimulating social activities in a safe and warm environment.

The Golden Days sessions at Avalon’s base on Thurston Road have proved so popular they have been extended to a third day and now run from 9.30am-3.30pm every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Staff and helpers have been fundraising to buy new equipment and re-open a kitchen to allow the preparation of hot meals.

Now, thanks to a grant from Broadacres, the total has been reached and hot food will soon be back on the menu.

“Currently we are not able to regularly provide a meal for the people attending and they have to bring their own,” said Locality Manager Sarah Gazzard. “We want to change that so visitors can enjoy a freshly prepared, hot meal with friends as part of the day.”

Sarah added: “Charities like ours are increasingly dependent on grants to help finance these improvements and we are grateful to Broadacres for their generosity which will fund equipment that will make a positive difference for years to come.”

The group enjoy a wide range of activities including music, singing and dancing, games and crafts and the grant will also help towards the cost of a projector and screen which will bring many benefits including making bingo more visual for those with hearing impairments.

Anyone in the community with care and support needs can apply for a place at Avalon’s Northallerton centre or other bases across the region, details can be found at avalongroup.org.uk

The Broadacres Community Development Fund supports local organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes. All grants are approved by the Association’s own residents, via a Community Development Fund Panel.

Broadacres resident Mags Crook, who is on the Panel, said: “We were delighted to provide funding for a charity which is doing amazing work supporting people in our communities.”

People/organisations who would like to apply through the Community Development Fund can visit www.broadacres.org.uk/customer-area/getting-involved/community-development-fund to find out more.