Our Journey
We’ve come a long way since June 2016 but I know that there’s so much more we can do so our vision remains. Having our own home with spaces to deliver our activities and develop much more is always something we will strive for, for our members.
We believe that with the right amount of support and encouragement to access new opportunities, increase confidence and develop social skills, everyone has the chance to lead a fulfilled life. Every day we reach more adults and open doors to new adventures.
The Story So Far
About Jenny
Jenny Allcock, the Founder of Creating Adventures, was made aware of the heartbreaking scarcity of any form of support for adults with Autism and learning disabilities in society, and the shocking lack of opportunities they could access in order to gain basic human needs that the rest of us take for granted, such as friendships, weekly routines, and finding happiness and excitement in everyday life.
When children with additional needs reach the age of 18, many of the services around them fall away leaving them alone and in some cases, totally isolated. This really struck a chord with me and I wanted to do something about it. So I set up Creating Adventures.
After months of creating and submitting the application to the Charity Commission, on 24th June 2016 I received the amazing news that we had become a registered charity.
Our first activity to start in 2017 was a Digital Music Project supporting 38 adults. Then came our Art Club in September 2018 which is still running to this day. We now have a full timetable of 5 activities every week, one monthly disco, and 3 large events each year.
Timeline
Application started to the Charity Commission for Creating Adventures to gain charity status.
Received Charity Registration to mark the beginning of our adventures.
Funding received from Awards for All to deliver an 8 month Digital Music Project giving 38 adults with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs the opportunity to use music and digital production to write and record their own songs.
Our first fundraising Spring Ball to help raise funds to launch Creating Adventures held at the Midland Hotel.
Digital Music Project started in partnership with Memody.
End of Digital Music Project sees huge progress and first successful project for Creating Adventures.
First Christmas Party for 20 adults
Funding achieved from Cheshire Community Foundation to begin Art Club at The Old School in Warrington.
Second Christmas Party 28 adults
Jenny Allcock, Founder was invited to Windsor Castle for the NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) Centenary event, meeting Queen Elizabeth II and also Princess Anne. It was an absolute honour to attend and an extremely surreal evening.
Funding achieved from the Steve Morgan Foundation to start a community choir, later called Beautiful Noise by the members. What a journey the choir are about to have!
Covid Lockdown – We started our journey on Zoom as taking a break just wasn't an option due to our members needing us now more than ever. We had choir, zumba, art and a chat, sing and dance session.
We decided to have our Christmas party online so we delivered presents, fancy dress items and of course the party food to our guests and made it a Christmas party to remember.
We achieved funding from the National Lottery to deliver even more activities during the third lockdown. We started our online cookery classes, chocolate making classes and our special Friday Live party socials – all online!
We finally get to meet in person whilst ensuring we follow the new guidelines as set out by the government and NHS.
We achieved funding for a full time Community Engagement Coordinator through the Steve Morgan Foundation to support the growth in our membership since we came out of lockdown.
Susan Totton joined the team as our Community Engagement Coordinator.
Bold as Brass Band started
Ignite Dance and Musical theatre started with thanks to funding from Hays Travel Foundation
We moved into our new home at The Old School moving all of our activities and our office under one roof. Exciting times!
Celebrated our new home with a Coronation Showcase event bringing our choir, brass and dance group together to perform with cookery providing the delicious food
Our second cookery group started with thanks to funding from St James's Place Charitable Foundation, providing more adults with skills for independence
Our first partnership event with Warrington Disability Partnership as we performed 'For One Night Only' at Walton Hall & Gardens
Our first Summer Ball was held at Parrs Bank Hotel giving our members the opportunity to enjoy an evening of red carpet treatment
Snow Ball 2023 takes pace at the Village Hotel - another hugely successful festive party for our community
We finish a fantastic year of fundraising events raising in the region of £9000 through a Skydive, Sponsored Walk, Quiz Night and Festive events
We start our 50+ Wellness Club with thanks to funding from the Cheshire Community Foundation, also supported from staff at local company Ingevity
We hold an Afternoon Tea for our kind supporters which is organised by our wonderful chefs who played a huge part in the preparing and cooking of food plus serving guests
Our second year at Walton Gardens with The Greatest Show, a tribute to the Greatest Showman with performances by our amazing members
We hold our first Pantomime at Winmarleigh House which was a great success which we celebrated with friends, family and supporters
We move into our new home at Orford Community Hub due to the rapid growth of our activities and community. We are delighted to call Orford Community Hub our home
Another addition to our programme - a weekly Yoga class to add a touch of mindfulness to support our members and their parents/carers with their mental health
With thanks to funding from The Leathersellars Foundation we have added a monthly cookery class 'Calm Kitchen' to give our members with more complex needs the sensory and social benefits of cooking with friends
Our new drumming group launches to create a drumming performance group. Supported by St James's Place Charitable Trust, Creamfields Foundation and United Way UK
