The MP and MS for the Vale of Clwyd have seen at first hand the vital work being carried out by a Denbigh-based organisation providing support and activities for adults with complex needs, after visiting them last week.
Dr James Davies MP and Gareth Davies MS were invited to ‘Activities for You’ to meet some of the people the organisation works with, speak to staff and volunteers, and find out more about their work.
Established in May 1994, ‘Activities for You’ is a Not-for-Profit organisation, providing support & activities for adults with complex needs, “ensuring that those we support feel a sense of belonging, friendship, trust, happiness and security”.
Last year they received money from the National Lottery Community Fund, which they used to provide coach trips for service users.
Commenting following the visit, James said:
“I had heard many great things about ‘Activities for You’ and the fantastic support they are providing to adults with complex needs, so was very pleased to pay them a visit last week to thank staff and volunteers and meet those benefiting from their work.
“All the day trips they provide are to locations chosen by the group themselves, and they recently visited the set of Emmerdale and are due to go to Cadbury’s World around Easter time.
“As well as being incredibly enjoyable for the people they support, the trips are also a good source of respite for many families who would normally not be able to afford a break from their caring role.
“The organisation also provides courses such as cooking to increase independence; arts, crafts, music and drama to provide outlets for creativity; wellbeing sessions; access to activities like cycling and fishing; plus lots more.
“They have been providing these activities since 2010 when parents of those known to them highlighted a lack of opportunities to develop and socialise, and the detrimental effects this has on the individual, often leading to poor behaviour at home and within the community.
“During our visit, Gareth and I presented certificates to participants who had successfully completed the drama course they offer.
“Activities for You’ are doing tremendous work, helping those with complex needs to build confidence and maintain independence and it was useful to gain further insight into this work.”
Gareth added:
“I was very pleased to visit 'Activities for You' last week and to learn more about the invaluable work that they do.
“They certainly provide a diverse range of activities and it was good to hear that those who benefit from their work have such an input into the type of activities on offer.
“It was clear from talking to those who take part in the activities that they are incredibly important to them.
“As is the case for many other community organisations, funding is always an issue and I was pleased that they were awarded National Lottery Funding last year. James and I will support them in any way that we can going forward.”
Activities Coordinator, Emma Gray, said:
"All those who have worked or been supported by us see the value and impact we have on some of the most vulnerable in the community.
“It was great to welcome James and Gareth and to have the opportunity to speak to them about the activities and support we provide, and to discuss the challenges we face.
“They got to meet some of the people we support and hear first-hand how we are helping them.
“I thank them both for accepting my invitation to visit.”
