OUR JOURNEY FROM A MOMENT OF CLARITY, TO A VISION OF EQUALITY…
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. Click here to read her story of why and how she decided to do something.
A SAFE SPACE TO TALK, LAUGH, DISCOVER… A HOME AWAY FROM HOME.
We are working towards a community centre where local people with autism and learning disabilities can meet with friends. We would love to open a cafe that they themselves help to run. This would be a wonderful, thriving hub for people with additional needs to feel supported and connected to others in their situation. Feeling a sense of belonging in life is vital for overall happiness and well-being.
We care deeply about the adults’ physical and mental well-being, and a centre would help us to cater to all their needs whilst also opening up opportunities for more activities. We are currently planning to launch a digital music production project, where the adults will learn new skills such as editing and mixing. Another exciting project is our cookery masterclass and chocolate making, which will be in collaboration with Fresh Beginnings CIC and Chocolate Gems.
Jenny founded Creating Adventures in 2016 after working in the voluntary sector for a children’s charity for 11 years. Jenny was made aware of the heartbreaking gap in society for adults with autism and learning disabilities and decided to do something about it. Jenny has a real passion for wanting to make a difference to people’s lives and for wanting to make the world a better place. With her knowledge of fundraising and working with children with additional needs, Jenny is taking Creating Adventures to the greatest heights with huge plans for unique activities and has her vision set at Creating Adventures having it’s own physical space in the community.
Jo says she has found her dream job since she joined Creating Adventures as Community Liaison Officer. Jo’s role is to work alongside Jenny Allcock to deliver new and exciting adventures for the members and to find ways to fund them. Jo is also responsible for raising the profile of the charity to groups and individuals who may want to join, businesses who want to engage and funding bodies who want to support. Jo was voted one of the top 100 PR people in the country and won many awards along with her talented teams. Jo has worked with celebrity chefs, sports champions, television stars and is now loving working with the stars of Creating Adventures.
Naz is amazing! She is our creative member and although Naz is freelance, she also feels like part of the team supporting Jenny in the early days to apply for funding to make these sessions happen. Naz loves working in our Art Club and although its every Monday, she even admits to enjoying getting up each and every Monday for the Art Club.
The Beautiful Noise choir is led by musician and performer Angie Smith. Angie is a former music and dance teacher who has worked at local schools and colleges such as Padgate College, Penketh High, Great Sankey Primary and Green Lane special school where she met Creating Adventures Community Rep Oliver Thomason when he was 9 years old. Angie also works internationally with a music school in Singapore. Angie’s popularity amongst the Creating Adventures members is legendary and every month more and more people want to join the choir. Angie is hugely talented and totally committed to Creating Adventures.
Mandi Cornelius is the lady with all the moves! Mandi is a qualified Zumba instructor and leads two groups a week at Creating Adventures. She has been a digital fitness business owner since 2012 and Independent Body Shop at Home area manager. People with autism and learning disabilities are at much greater risk of obesity and other related health issues due to the lack of opportunities available to them. The impact of Mandi’s vibrant, high energy classes on the members has been amazing and they are more energised and full of life.
Gill undertakes the role of Community Development Manager for Adult Social Care in Stoke. Gill has worked for the statutory sector for many years in leisure and community development. She has been involved with Adult Social Care for some years now and believes that every person has the right to decide on the life they wish to live and opportunities should be available, whether that accommodation, employment, hobbies, life-skills, socialization, education and training. Gill believes with the right team, strategy and resources Creating Adventures will be key to delivering opportunities enriching people’s lives.
Sarah is owner and Director of Longmires Accountants in Timperley, Altrincham alongside her husband Dathan.
Sarah is passionate about running her business and working with so many interesting entrepreneurs and business owners. In her spare time, Sarah is also a parent governor for her children’s school which has given her great insight into the challenges many families face. She loves travelling having travelling around the world in her twenties with her husband and is looking forward to introducing her children to places they enjoyed together.
Paul is co-owner and Director of Greater Manchester Business Connect Magazine. Paul has been involved in the publishing business for over 10 years and is always keen to use his networking skills to support Creating Adventures. Paul loves to network and enjoys connecting people. He is also Brand Ambassador for Jeffreys Tonic- yes he does enjoy a G&T.
After many years in a corporate environment working for United Utilities, Alison is taking some time out and enjoying her time volunteering in various capacities. Alison is qualified and experienced in Project Management and Business Management. Alison is also a skilled Chocolatier.
Interesting fact – Alison is an adrenaline junkie in her spare time, enjoying the thrills of kite boarding amongst other activities.
Fi has 18 years’ experience working in a special school as a Teaching Assistant. She also loves encouraging both children and adults to see their potential. Fiona has a 29-year-old son, Oliver who has Downs Syndrome. Oliver is a fine example of how having a learning disability shouldn’t stop your achievements.
Interesting fact – Fi got through to the final on Wheel of Fortune with John Leslie.
Mike has successfully established several companies. He is our go-to IT guy and has a great deal of experience with Business Management. Mike has an older daughter with additional needs and can see the visible gap in activity provision for adults with additional needs.
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