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.
Mandi joined Creating Adventures as a Zumba instructor in June 2020 following the first lockdown. Mandi became part of the family and is in awe of the members’ energy and love of life. Mondays became her favourite days very quickly with our members bringing their enthusiasm with them each week to the Zumba class.
Mandi said ‘This is a dream job for me combining my passion for supporting people reach new heights and realise their dreams. Creating Adventures is an amazing charity which has become deeply embedded in my heart over the last year- I can’t wait to see where we travel together.’
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.
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.
Barbara founded and runs local Community Interest Company Fresh Beginnings. Barbara is a marvel in the kitchen. She is always full of ‘tasty bites’ of hints and tips to help you be safe and efficient in the kitchen.
Barbara loves to teach people how to make scrumptious home cooked food. No matter what your level of cooking experience or budget, Barbara will make you a Masterchef in no time.
She has supported our members to cook the most amazing meals from scratch including lasagne, Hunters chicken and bacon pasta bake and sticky toffee pudding.
It’s not just about cookery, but important life skills too.
Jake and Amanda host our monthly Members Lounge party event. They both run Community Objectives CIC which is a community theatre company so it made complete sense to ask Jake and Amanda to host our monthly party night.
They LOVE all things theatre, party and games and are the perfect hosts to get everyone up dancing and playing games.
The Members Lounge may well only be a monthly event but it is a huge hit with our community and one which everyone thoroughly looks forward to when it comes around.
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.
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