about

our journey

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.

my belief in what was vital and
what was possible kept me focused
- jenny allcock, founder
Happy Adventurer during Sports Day
my belief in what was vital and
what was possible kept me focused
- jenny allcock, founder

our vision

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.

meet OUR TEAM

Jenny Allcock Headshot
Jenny
Allcock
Founding
Chief Officer

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.

Susan Totton
Susan
Totton
Community
Engagement Coordinator

My name is Susan Totton, and I am the Community Engagement Coordinator. 

I have been fortunate to have lived in South East Asia for 15 years. While I was there, I worked for the British International School.  This has enabled me to gain a wealth of experience in project management, activities, and sporting events.

I am delighted to be part of the Creating Adventures team and I look forward to being part of the future.

Paul
Kelly
DJ Funky
Monkey

Hi, my name is Paul (aka DJ Funky Monkey) and I am a mobile DJ based in the North West. I love all things music, from playing guitar and singing to DJ’ing. As a DJ, I love playing my small part in people’s events and special occasions. I aim to provide the best service and experience possible whilst taking your special occasion to the next level and making it something everyone will be talking about.

Jacky
Keating
Beautfiul Noise Choirmaster, Brass Band

I’m Jacky Keating, I run the Beautiful Noise Choir here at Creating Adventures. I am a peripatetic piano and brass music teacher. I have been doing this for the past 15 years in numerous schools in Cheshire. I have played in music groups since being a teenager. I have had some fabulous experiences doing this, from numerous tours in America and across Europe and many memorable concerts including arenas and playing for Lady Diana.

As well as the choir I run several school and community bands.

As a teacher and group leader it is my aim that my pupils and group members get the same enjoyment and experiences that I have had as a performer.  

Leanne
Salisbury
Dance and Musical
Theatre Instructor

Leanne has been a choreographer and teacher for over 20 years, working in both public and private settings. She prides herself on her innovative and creative choreographic approach, and loves inspiring others with her energy and passion for dance.

Leanne has extensive experience across a wide range of dance styles, but counts Contemporary and Musical Theatre amongst her favourites. She has led, developed and created work in a variety of settings, from community platforms to professional theatre, small-scale events to large-scale productions, and is super excited to be bringing her skills and enthusiasm to the Creating Adventures team. 

Alison Summersfield
Alison
Summersfield
Chocolatier - Chocolate Gems

Alison is a trained Chocolatier with her small business Chocolate Gems. 

Alison loves all things chocolate and creates some wonderful treats that even Willy Wonka would be proud of! 

It made complete sense when Alison first met Jenny that they launch a chocolate making project for adults with additional needs. Making chocolate can be a very therapeutic activity and one which also requires a great amount of patience and skill. 

However as expected, our members have done her proud and are loving licking the chocolate off the spoon at the end of each class. 

Liz
Jones
Art Leader

I’m Liz, the Art Leader, who joins the Creative Crew on Monday mornings, getting everyone’s creative juices flowing to start the week.

We do a huge range of arts & crafts during our sessions which are always accessible to everyone and allow all members to share the joy of creating together, whilst making individual and unique art work.

Each class, Jo & I provide opportunities for all members to try new things and practice skills in a relaxed and encouraging environment.

I have taught Art for over 15 years, with my role as Art Leader in Primary Schools across Cheshire & Warrington and more recently running my own Art School called The Himos Hub. The principal reason for setting up the Hub was to provide as many people as possible with as many creative opportunities as possible, for well-being, joy and happiness.

Art can have such a positive impact on mental health, neurodiversity and general outlook, and we certainly see the many benefits in this class! Everyone is so expressive and confident, we just love seeing the creations each week from all the wonderful members.

Charlie
Neilens
Cookery Leader

I’m incredibly proud of what the members of Creating Adventures are achieving. Their enthusiasm and their capacity for joy is just outstanding. As their new cookery teacher, I already feel part of the Creating Adventures family. The welcome I have received from the staff, students and volunteers is amazing. They’re all superstars.

Jo
Buteux
Art Leader

My name is Jo and I’m a primary school teacher by profession, but also work at The Himos Hub with Liz. I have been an art leader for the last 20 years at different schools and am passionate about encouraging creativity through art and crafts, both as a process and for wellbeing. I particularly love the fact that art and craft is accessible to all ages and abilities. I started working with Creating Adventures in the autumn of 2023 and am thoroughly enjoying working with the fabulous creative crew!

Meet our Charity Reps

Bradley
Bold as Brass,
Brass Band Rep
Beck
Charity Rep
Naveen
Charity Rep
Bethan
Recipe for Success Cookery Rep
Naomi
Recipe for Success Cookery Rep
Ryan
Bold as Brass,
Brass Band Rep
Laura
Ignite Dance & Musical Theatre Rep
Fliss
Ignite Dance & Musical Theatre Rep
Gemma
Beautiful Noise
Choir Rep
Bex
Beautiful Noise Choir Rep

So Far...

2022
December 2022
Glitter Ball
Glitter Ball
Creating Adventures have a wonderful Glitter Ball at the Village Hotel.
2022
October 2022
Invited to Rugby World Cup
Performance for
Papua New Guinea
Creating Adventures are invited to get involved with the Rugby League World Cup event celebrations in Warrington with the choir performing for the Papua New Guinea rugby team at Warrington Town Hall.
2022
September 2022
First Summer Ball
First Summer Ball

Creating Adventures has its first Summer Ball for its members at the Parrs Bank in Warrington.

2022
August 2022
New Activities Start
New Activities Start

Creative Crew Art Club and Ignite Dance & Musical Theatre sessions start.

2022
June 2022
Beautiful Noise Performance
Choir Performs
for the Queen's
Platnium Jubilee

Beautiful Noise Choir perform at Chester Cathedral for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration Service.

2022
March 2022
New Team Members
New Members
Join the Team

Creating Adventures has three new members join the team.

Susan Totton joins as Community Engagement Coordinator.

Kirsty Whamond joins as our new Fundraising and Marketing Assistant through the government Kickstart scheme.

Denise O’Hare- Jenny’s mum joins as Administration Volunteer.

2021
December 2021
Christmas Party
Christmas Party

Christmas Party held at the Village Hotel celebrating being back together.

2021
December 2021
Grant Secured
Grant Secured

A grant has been successfully secured for a full time Community Engagement Coordinator for 3 years through the Steve Morgan Foundation.

2021
August 2021
Summer Programme
Summer Programme
Launches

We launch our Summer Programme of workshops included drumming, like dancing, pamper and baking.

2021
July 2021
Face to Face
Activities go
Face to Face

Activities go face to face for the first time in 16 months.

2021
March 2021
Members Lounge
Members Lounge

Members Lounge monthly social continues online with Community Objectives.

2021
January 2021
Grant Secured
Grant Secured

Secured grant for lockdown number 3 activities including virtual cookery sessions, weekly Friday Live online social evenings, virtual chocolate workshops and delivering Happy Boxes to all members.

2021
14th January 2021
New Website Launches
New Website Launch

New Creating Adventures website launches supported by Roz and Sophy at Beech Web Services.

2020
21st December 2020
Zoom Christmas Party
Virtual Christmas Party

Creating Adventures Sparkle Christmas Party on Zoom.

2020
16th December 2020
Choir Performance
Beautiful Noise Choir Performance

Beautiful Noise choir performed a Christmas Sing-a-long to their family and friends on Zoom.

2020
29th September 2020
Secure Lottery Funding
Successful Lottery Fund Grant

Successful with National Lottery Fund grant to fund Community Liaison Officer.

2020
8th July 2020
Sports Festival Postponed
Sports Festival Postponed

Sports & Wellbeing Festival postponed due to COVID.

2020
25th June 2020
New Trustees
3 New Trustees Join Us

3 new Trustees joined Creating Adventures  Mike Georgeson, Fiona Thomason and Alison Summersfield.

2020
16th June 2020
Zumba Online
Zumba starts on Zoom

Our Zumba Club launches on Zoom.

2020
31st March 2020
COVID Lockdown
We Adjust to the COVID Lockdown

Creating Adventures switches to online activities, continuing to support their members through challenging times. 

2019
11th December 2019
Christmas Party
Third Christmas Party

Christmas Party at the Village Hotel, Warrington.

2019
16th October 2019
Choir Launch
Beautiful Noise Choir Launches

Beautiful Noise Rock & Pop Choir launched.

2019
27h September 2019
Charity Finalists
We Become Charity Award Finalists

Creating Adventures finalist for ‘Small Charity Big Impact’ award in the Northwest Charity Awards. 

2019
8th May 2019
Sports & Wellbeing Festival
Sports & Wellbeing Festival Held

Sports & Wellbeing Festival in partnership with Warrington Wolves Foundation took place at Victoria Park, Warrington. 

2019
2nd April 2019
Jenny Meets the Queen
Jenny Meets the Queen

Jenny attended Windsor Castle for the NCVO Centenary Reception and met Her Majesty the Queen.

2019
1st – 7th April 2019
Artwork Exhibited
Artwork Exhibited

Art Club work exhibited at Warrington Central Library to celebrate Autism Awareness Week. 

2018
25th October 2018
First Office Secured
We Find the First Office

Creating Adventures secured its’ first office space with huge thanks to UBC, Birchwood. UBC have donated the office space to Creating Adventures to support the charity and help it to develop. We are still with UBC who have continued to donate the space to Creating Adventures. 

2018
12th & 14th December 2018
Christmas Party
Christmas Parties

Creating Adventures hosts their second Christmas Parties.

2018
16th September 2018
Art Club Opens
New Art Club Started

The Creating Adventures art club starts.

2017
13th December 2017
Christmas Party
First Christmas Party

1st Creating Adventures Christmas Party.

2017
1st August 2017
Musical Beginnings
Musical Project

Music and Song-writing Project delivered over the course of 8 months to 38 adults with Autism and learning disabilities to write and record their own songs.

2016
24th June 2016
Registered Charity
Registered Charity

Creating Adventures was registered with the Charity Commission – Registration number 1167842.

meet OUR Trustees

Tom
Neill
Chairman

Tom has gained plenty of management experience, working at a high level in IT for over 35 years in various industries including finance, retail and national government. He also previously took on the role of Chair of Governors for a primary school.

He approaches life with a high degree of pragmatism and his own brand of common sense. Tom is passionate about all forms of social justice.

A regular long distance runner, Tom is always keen to take on new challenges and gain new life experiences.

Interesting fact – Tom is planning to sail to Uruguay in 2023 on an ocean going yacht, having never done any sailing before!

Sarah
Steel
Treasurer

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.

Alison Summersfield
Alison Summersfield
Trustee

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.

Roz
Healey
Trustee

Roz is owner and Director of Beech Web Services Ltd, a successful digital marketing agency based in Warrington. Her career in online marketing started way back in the 1990s when she led a digital studio based in Leeds and worked for clients such as Oxford University Press and IBM.

Running her own business for 10+ years has taught Roz the importance of effective teamwork, personal resilience and giving something back to the local community.

She approaches everything she does with commitment and a strong set of values and is near completion of a Digital Marketing MSc qualification at Chester University.

Interesting facts – Roz is member of a field archery club and is taking lessons in Colombian Salsa.

Gill O'Hare
Gill
O'Hare
Chairperson

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.

our aims

We believe that everyone has potential and that some people just need a little more support and encouragement than others. We have therefore developed a social club with various activities and opportunities to support our members and provide them with opportunities to achieve their potential, try something new, believe in themselves and find their inner talents which for some are just waiting to be discovered.

We have created a community with a variety of activities to support their communication, expression, confidence, life-skills, physical and mental health and wellbeing and helping them to feel a sense of personal fulfilment. But most importantly to encourage the members to try something new and possibly unlock potential in areas they never thought possible

  • Help us to reach more people and create more adventures
  • Our focus is to provide a timetable of activities in an inclusive, caring, community focused environment to ensure that every individual feels valued and important.
  • We strive to inspire our members to try something new, ignite their potential and interest and finally illuminate them, helping them to shine from within.

life with a disability

Adventurers Enjoying Zumba Classes

living in colour

Happy Adventurer joining in the fun

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