Cheddar Valley MP James Heappey visited the Reach Opportunity Centre in Weare last week to see some of the work done at the centre to support young adults with learning difficulties. The centre was founded by Peter and Jill Swinger in June 2015 to promote independence through the development of self-confidence and life skills. During his visit, Mr Heappey was able to meet clients who were cooking lunch, accounting for the stock of the tuck shop, carrying out DIY tasks and choosing and budgeting for the following week’s shopping. The centre also has a pig, chickens, carpentry workshops and, through its connection to Beautiful Bean Bags the opportunity for clients to gain work experience in a commercial business.
The centre is intending to grow it’s onsite tuck shop into a small café which will serve the many businesses based nearby as well as Weston College’s equestrian facility. The café will be run and staffed by the Reach Centre’s clients and run as a not-for-profit social enterprise.
Mr Heappey said:
“I absolutely loved my visit to the Reach Centre. The young adults I met were loving the responsibility and independence that the centre allows and the staff supervision seemed to be done with an appropriately light touch. The result was clients filled with confidence and self-belief.”
Caroline Berry, Manager of the Reach Opportunity Centre, added: “The students were delighted to show James around the centre. I’m really proud of how well our students are progressing, and it’s great to have the Centre’s work in the local community recognised.”
Mr Heappey has invited to staff and clients of the centre to visit him in Parliament where he is looking forward to repaying the favour by showing them around his place of work.
