Tag: Featured

A little of your time could make a big difference to someone’s life

Our volunteers help and support people with learning disabilities in many different ways, contributing their skills, experiences, energy and enthusiasm. We carefully match their individual strengths and interests to the needs of the people we help.

We help children, young people and adults with learning disabilities, along with their parents and carers, in many different ways:

Children’s and Adult services – everything from theatre and music workshops to a toddler and baby group for children with Down’s syndrome alongside an adults gardening therapy group

Family support – extra help and relief for parents and carers, including specialist support for families with a child with autism spectrum disorder or Down’s syndrome

Befriending scheme – the opportunity for young people and adults to do new things and meet new friends

Theatre and arts groups – especially structured for children and young people or adults who want to do something creative

Training and employment services – including a catering course, work experience and volunteering opportunities

Hydrotherapy – scheduled classes and private sessions for people of all ages in our fully equipped pool

Our community-based activities help people with learning disabilities to do the things they enjoy, make new friends and learn new skills. More…

Troublemakers is a performing arts group for teenagers with learning disabilities in the Cambridgeshire area.

Troublemakers students participate in all three performing arts disciplines: drama, dance and singing – with the aim of building confidence, developing communication skills and improving self-expression.

Each term our experienced tutors guide students on a fun-packed journey through various musical genres, styles and techniques. The key elements of a Troublemakers session are creativity and imagination, with staff promoting high self-esteem and independence by encouraging students to contribute ideas and take ownership of the group.

Sessions run for ten weeks during term time on Wednesdays between 5-7pm.

Troublemakers sessions may be eligible for funding using short break provision.

To book a free taster session or to find out more about Troublemakers…

Befriending scheme

Our befriending scheme for young people with learning disabilities provides the friendship and support they need to participate in activities or hobbies of their choice at home or out in the community.

How the scheme works

A carefully matched volunteer visits the young person regularly and spends time with them. Typically, volunteers help their friends to do things outside their home – a trip to the cinema or a bowling alley for example. They also help them with any specific hobbies they have, and may accompany them during organised activities such as going to the gym.

We ask families using this service to consider making a regular donation to help support the scheme.

I always have a happy time with my friend

How the scheme helps

The scheme helps young people with learning disabilities by:

Encouraging them to make friends and spend time with people of their own age

Helping them to get out and enjoy themselves

Building their independence, confidence and self-esteem

Giving them a break from their parents or carers

Befriending Scheme Questionnaire November 2016 Results

In November 2016, Eddie’s carried out research to see what parents and young people REALLY thought of our Befriending Scheme. Here are the results for young people and for parents/carers. All of the results are in percentages and any names have been anonymised.

Befriending works

For those 15 and above who want to come and socialise in a fun, relaxed environment. Held on the first and third Saturday of every month at Eddie’s, Lancaster House, Capper Road, Waterbeach, CB25 9LY, between 10am and 12pm, the drop-in group offers a place for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to meet, make new friends and have fun taking part in games, craft, music and drama activities. Why not come a long for a FREE taster session? Every session is different and most recently we played Boccia and new age kurling, and we also all took part in our very own ‘Bake Off’ competition.…