Established in 1990, Alternatives Activity Centre (AAC) is a registered charity that provides support for adults with learning disabilities in the city of Derby, in the form of an activity-based day centre, a training shop (which offers training workshops as well placements within their own charity shop) and community support.
Challenge
Before the pandemic they generated 98% of their income from the charity shop. They were only able to welcome 15 services users at their day and training centres, compared to 50 people before March 2020. Even before the pandemic, their existing training centre was operating at full capacity and with social distancing the need for a new training venue became further exacerbated. They identified a property near to their training/charity shop just outside Derby city centre, and needed social investment to acquire the property.
Solution
By purchasing this property, a former residential flat, they will work to improve independent living skills (in particular household and cooking skills) particularly relevant to young people transitioning from Children’s to Adult services, develop training skills and create additional storage space. By increasing space and storage capacity, they will be able to support a further 8-10 people. Demand for their service is likely to remain strong, as the people they support have lifelong needs and some charities in the area offering similar services have not survived the pandemic. The acquisition of this property will increase social impact, increasing capacity to welcome people safely back and introducing them to new practical training.
Revenue
The charity runs a charity shop to generate income and to give people with learning disabilities work experience and training.
Impact
This property will be used to improve independent living skills (in particular household and cooking skills) particularly relevant to young people transitioning from Children’s to Adult services and develop training skills. It has enabled them to support 8-10 more people with learning disabilities.
“This is going to be the beginning of an important and exciting journey for us and all of those who use our services now or in the future. We could not have got to this stage without the support of CAF Venturesome and as such will always be incredibly thankful for your help.”
Belinda Hadfield - Service Manager, Alternatives Activity Centre
“We’re delighted to be able to support AAC at this time as their services are essential to the well-being of very vulnerable people. They have strong support within their community, being supported with donations, materials and in-kind donations. The acquisition of this property will increase AAC social impact, increasing capacity to welcome people safely back and introducing them to new practical training.”
Joanne Wedderspoon, Senior Development Manager at CAF Venturesome