![]() Foundation AimsThe reason for setting up this charity is that before Emily died in April 2008 she did a lot of work to help individuals whom, like her brother, had moderate learning difficulties. She did this through working with local voluntary groups and latterly Spokes CIC. We, and many of her own friends, therefore believed it was the right thing to estabilsh a Foundation in her name. To leave a legacy to her that will last for many years into the future, helping these individuals whom have a lot to give, but very often are not given the opportunity. The Foundation has got off to a very good start - the test will be maintaining the growth going forward. At our first Trustee Meeting since the Charity status was confirmed, on the 29th November 2008, the aims for the Foundation were discussed in detail. The following was agreed by the Trustees: The primary aim of the Foundation is: To help individuals with learning or moderate physical disabilities to be able to lead good, fulfilling lives. These individuals deserve the opportunity to train for employment, or simply enjoy the social environment, ability to earn a small wage and experience the personal pride that comes with the regular routine of going to work. This is because after leaving college, it is very difficult, if not impossible, for many individuals with learning difficulties to find permanent or casual work. Many of these individuals want to work and contribute to Society, like everyone else, however with the financial and other pressures that exist today most companies find it very difficult to offer suitable continual employment. Consequently most work offered is seasonal or not rewarding, i.e. does not help the development of the individual, in the longer term. The Foundation aims to offer employment of this type, where individuals can come along and manufacture to a high quality level, but to their own ability level. The immediate Future The aims of the Foundation have been modified to a degree for the coming year, although in the longer term the aims of moving into agricultural and horticultural projects remain the same. However we want to move forward as quickly as possible and therefore for the coming year the focus is as follows: To raise sufficient funds to be able to purchase an industrial unit of between 8 and 9,000 Sq feet, with good quality access for disabled individuals. This unit will be used to: 1. 'Move in' Spokes CIC. Spokes is a successful social enterprise, established in Kidderminster, who’s primary purpose is to train young people with learning difficulties to enter the workplace. This is achieved by dis-assembling bicycles that have been donated by the public, cleaning and then re-assembling them. They are then offered for sale back to the public. This has proved to be successful over the past 12 months, although funding is tight. It currently generates approx. 40% of its revenue in this way and should continue to develop.
This amount of space would enable us to set up a good quality sales area for the sale of bikes and our other manufactured products – something that is impossible currently.
By doing the above the Foundation, which is a Charity, would have two trading arms supplying rental to it. This would enable it, over time, to grow funds to develop into its other key, longer term areas of interest and also grow into other areas of the UK.
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