Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony is opening a new Education centre in the city, which is aiming to change the lives of adults with learning disabilities.
The Helping Hands Group, which will open on Tuesday 4th January 2011, will offer a wide range of educational and day opportunities for adults with a variety of disabilities.
The centre will provide education/vocation/therapy sessions and activities which will be delivered by qualified tutors and supported by learning support assistants trained to the highest standards. People will not be restricted due to their disabilities; each and every person will be given the same opportunities to develop as an individual within a healthy, fun, motivating and safe environment.
The Helping Hands Group are situated on Padholme Road East in the city and will be overseen by Group Director Suzanne Gilby (BPHIL - Professional Studies, MSI) who has over 23 years of experience within this field. She is excited by the venture and believes that the Helping Hands Group will be an important development in the city.
'We have worked extremely hard in putting this together and are excited about the opening. We aim to enable all individuals with learning &/or physical disabilities to live their lives to their full potential and empower them to make their own choices.
'We will listen to their views and offer a unique experience where all individuals are treated with equal respect, providing a service that offers equality, diversity and enable them to be fully involved in the local community.
'Our aim is to offer our educational and day opportunity facilities to any adult with PMLD, Autism and a range of other disabilities. We will put together a programme to incorporate motivating factors for the individual and ensure that the package suits their particular needs. I am delighted that Darragh MacAnthony has agreed to fund and chair the Helping Hands Group and we are both looking forward to the opening and providing this service in the city of Peterborough,' Suzanne Gilby said.
Darragh MacAnthony added: 'I have always believed in using my wealth to the advantage of others and when Suzanne presented me with the opportunity to Fund and Chair this fantastic service I didn't need to think twice.
'Education is important and individuals should not be restricted due to having a disability, and that's where The Helping Hands Group come in, we will offer a service to anyone with any form of learning disability in the hope of creating a brighter future for that individual.
'We will also give everyone who uses the service the chance to watch regular matches at Peterborough United FREE of charge as I believe that using the football club to enhance the Helping Hands Group will be beneficial for all involved.'
The Helping Hands Group will be opened by members of the Peterborough United squad on Tuesday 4th January at 2pm. The service will be open from 9.30am until 4pm, five days a week for 45 weeks a year. A transport service will be available to users of this service (within a 10 mile radius) providing safe and easy measures to attend.
The educational programme will deliver communication, language, literacy including Braille, numeracy, PSD and Information Technology. Some areas of the curriculum will be delivered via accredited courses including the Open College Network and ASDAN Towards Independence.
Among the activities available for users of the centre include ice-skating, go karting, bowling, horse-riding and photography, but the Group have many more activities on offer. They will also provide physiotherapy, massage and a sensory room experience.
Anyone who is interested in finding out more information about the service that the Helping Hands Group provide, please visit www.thehelpinghandsgroup.org.uk or email info@thehelpinghandsgroup.co.uk . We only have 31 places available and we are taking on referrals from today.
