Toolkit Step 7
Successful projects were offered support during the funding period for Round 1 and Round 2. An initial ‘how are you getting on?’ message reinforced the support available to the groups. They were encouraged to promote their innovative projects to highlight the value of the funding.
The LDIF process helped to raise awareness of the work being carried out by all sizes of groups and in some cases helped them to link with each other. A spokesperson for The Tenby Project said: ‘There has been a lovely atmosphere, and people from Hafal have come over to join us in the afternoons for the talk so that has been great for everyone involved!’
The projects ranged from cabaret performances to bespoke weightlifting sessions. Their progress was followed closely by the panel members who were keen to see that they followed the Charter aim of: ‘relationships and sex as we choose; for people to welcome us and understand what we need when we are out and to have more info about what’s going on’.
The panel members contributed to a podcast series about the outcomes of this different way of working, run by Barod CIC (Welsh for ‘Ready’) which supports ‘anyone ready to change and to make a difference to their own lives or the lives of others’. See podcasts. More information about Barod.
At the end of the funding period for Round 1 each applicant was asked to complete narrative evaluation and finance forms, again in Easy Read.
Photographs, films and any other evidence was also requested.
Some end of project films
A Selection of Applicant Feedback:
On the LDIF process:
‘We are a member-led group and were able to include our members in the application process and consequently provide them with some life skills which they desired.’
‘It gave people choice over what they wanted to do, who to invite. It helped to interact with members of the public and to help people. It gave opportunities for peer-to-peer support.’
‘Our participants were able to try new things like circus skills, costume making, dance and make up…to come together to make new friends and work towards a big performance together.’
‘the joy that performing brought to them was simply unmeasurable. Parents and support were very emotional with how much the project had meant to them and how it has raised their confidence.’
‘We and those with Learning Difficulties enjoyed creating a film. It was also used on social media which had an overwhelming response attracting others to our work.’
‘Our LD project is up and running and everyone is absolutely loving it! It’s one of the most rewarding projects I’ve been involved with in my time with the group to be honest. So innovative and empowering for all involved!’
On changing attitudes:
‘We started thinking we wanted adults with LD to take part in activities on an equal basis with other members of the community, and found that, not only did they do this but they ran the project, looked after all the visitors, and made sure the visitors were involved on an equal basis.’
Learning Points
- The variations in applicants' skills, knowledge - and resources - suggest a need for even greater peer-to-peer learning and support but this needs further funding.
- Time and resources should be invested in the member-led organisations which try to respond to their participants' needs may require more material resources or training.
- Some groups need to 'stand back' and ensure that they really listen to their participants' needs.
- Positive feedback should be shared widely to inform the general public of the importance - and social value - of a truly integrated approach to all sorts of things in life.