Friends for Leisure provides short breaks for disabled children and their families.One activity the charity, based on Canal Street in Congleton, offers its members is trips to local pubs and restaurants.
They received a donation from our North West division that meant they could take 19 children and their families to a local pub for lunch and a quiz.
Charity manager, Gillian Jones, said many young people with disabilities face barriers to social and leisure activities and Friends for Leisure aims to bridge this gap: “Our young people love eating out with their friends and it is always a popular request as many of our children admit that they have experienced negative experiences while out and about. In some cases, this can lead them to feeling incredibly isolated, meaning their independence is impacted. Friends for Leisure helps address some of these disadvantages by providing termly restaurant outings for the youth groups we operate in Congleton and similar opportunities during school holidays.
“Most of us take it for granted heading out for a meal with friends and family, yet for disabled young people this can be extremely difficult. Our supportive staff and volunteers help them go to different mainstream restaurants as a group, meet new people and strengthen existing relationships. They can try new foods, build communication skills and confidence, plus understand the value of money and importance of social skills.”
The trips for children also mean that parents and carers can also take the opportunity to socialise whilst knowing their children are safe.
Amanda Hollins, area sales manager at Redrow NW, said: “The benefits of socialising and being out and about are vast and something many of us will take for granted. Friends For Leisure is supporting disabled children to gain their independence and confidence and also to bring people together. It looks like the group had a great trip out and I’m glad Redrow could facilitate this.”
Friends for Leisure received £1,000 from Redrow’s community fund, linked to our Round Hill Gardens development. The development, off Manchester Road, will bring a mix of three, four and five bedroom properties split into two phases – Blossoms and Woodlands.
Areas of the site are also earmarked for a new primary school, 12.5 acres of open space and local shops and will be subject to future planning applications.
Potential customers can explore a new customer experience suite that is digitally led, with interactive screens, showing site plans and local information including nearby schools and amenities.
The development is open seven days a week, usually from 10am-5.30pm. For further information call
