Thanks to a grant of £10,000 from the National Emergencies Trust (NET), people with learning disabilities across Nottinghamshire are benefiting from additional help and support to access Reach’s online services.

Even in normal times, people with learning disabilities are at risk of poor health and social isolation. The current pandemic potentially puts people with learning disabilities and their family carers at greater risk due to inaccessibility of formal and informal services and support.

The grant from the NET which is funded by public donations for domestic disasters, comes through the Nottinghamshire Community Foundation and supports Reach’s crisis online services whilst access to our centres is restricted. Steve Shatwell, Chief Executive said “Since March we have delivered190 online courses and socials, delivered 2,790 wellbeing and activity packs and held 2,784 welfare calls with clients and carers. We’re proud of what we have achieved so far and remain optimistic about the future. Thanks to the NET grant we now have the opportunity to extend our online services and reach out to more people with learning disabilities and their families across the county”.

Tina Farrell, Reach Newark Deputy Manager said “Our new digital camera is really improving the quality of our filmed courses; this week we made Cauliflower and Broccoli Pasta Bake and 45 people have watched it so far. Clients send us pictures of meals they’ve cooked by themselves by following ‘Tina’s Tasty Treats’. All our online activities are helping clients to maintain skills they were practicing in our centres and to keep in touch with Reach friends and staff they know and trust. Being able to get online in this way really helps to build confidence to use online technology safely in everyday life.”

Family carer, Claire, said: “A big thank you to all the team involved with these Zoom sessions. James becomes very animated at seeing his Reach friends and staff.”

We’re also offering online social activities to help family carers stay connected such as our recent ‘virtual afternoon tea’.

Going digital is enabling us to reach people in new ways in these uncertain times and we want to continue this. This year our Christmas fundraising will focus on really developing our vital online services. We hope to again take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge national match funding campaign which runs from 1st to 8th December 2020. To receive updates, please visit our Keeping in Touch page and select ‘Christmas Appeal’ or telephone Laura on 07765098236.