A group of young people with learning disabilities from Gloucestershire College held a fun day out recently for their older neighbours from the local social club.
The day took place in the Renaissance restaurant at Gloucestershire College, Princess Elizabeth Way in Cheltenham on Friday, March 21 as part of learning disability charities Mencap and ENABLE Scotland’s Inspire Me programme.
The volunteers cooked lunch, provided entertainment and hosted a beauty bar for the older people to enjoy being pampered for the day.
Young people with learning disabilities are twice as likely not to be engaged in education, employment or training as young people without a learning disability. The Inspire Me programme supports young people with a learning disability to improve their local communities, learn new life skills, and gain experience that will help them to get employment in the future.
Liam Hetherington-Phelps, a student at the College, said: “It’s really nice to give something back to the community.”
Gwenda Kilminster, a guest on the day, said: “We’ve all really enjoyed our day – it was great to see everyone integrating together. They have all been really friendly and helpful.”
Alice Hibberd, regional youth coordinator for the Inspire Me project in the southwest, added: “The project was a great opportunity for the young people from Gloucestershire College to show what amazing things they can achieve within their community. All 15 of the students involved were great to work with – they have all learnt new skills and gained confidence. They should be really proud of what they have achieved.”
