LAC is a recently established charity aimed at providing much needed educational and vocational training and support to adults with learning disabilities.

The vision is to build, operate and expand a facility capable of delivering activities for adults in the Worcestershire area. These activities will be constantly evolving and wide ranging, examples being animal care, catering, crafts, horticulture, woodworking and Zumba.

There is a huge shortage of education and training facilities for young adults with learning difficulties post finishing college at the ages of 22-24. Such facilities are key to provide not only life skills, training and works opportunities but also the development benefits of working together in a social and safe environment. Furthermore the respite given to parents and carers by such facilities is critical.

A site has been identified at Wilden Top near Stourport to build the centre which will also be used for other social uses out of educational hours to contribute towards costs. A woodwork room has already been set up and a café/catering facility is nearing completion.

Through the establishment of the Leapgate Activity Centre Charity we are aiming to raise £250,000 to build the main body of the centre - once built,the day to day operation will be self-sustaining on a commercial basis.

It is intended to raise the money from a huge range of fundraising activities which will include:-

• Events

• Sponsored initiatives

• Community support (bag packing, supermarket schemes)

• Collection tins

• Charitable trust donations

• Corporate sponsorship (funds and materials)

We currently have raised approximately £30,000 which will allow us to obtain final planning permission and commence the crucial groundworks prior to build.

• Sponsored events (either individually or collectively) on behalf of the charity

• Supporting Leapgate events

• Introductions to potential corporate or charitable trust sponsors/donors

• PR contacts

• Collection tins in pubs/clubs/workplace