Colchester Gateway Clubs receive £36,932 in funding.
Colchester Gateway Clubs has received investment of £36,932 from People’s Health Trust, using money raised by Health Lottery East.
The Gateway Active project aims to help a group of adults with learning disabilities living in Tendring and Colchester to learn and use fundraising and social media skills to sustain their project in the long term. Through developing their voice with their peers, building social links in the community and increasing community awareness, participants will be empowered to drive the project forwards. Participants also have the opportunity to gain a Bronze, Silver or Gold Gateway Award – modelled on the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Jason Helps, participant, “I went to film workshops at Signals. I worked with people from Colchester and Clacton – I got to learn about using a camera to film, edit and make a film. I played the guitar, so my music is the soundtrack. I took all the photos at an Award Ceremony with our local MP Will Quince. People were pleased with their photos.”
Katrina Hammond, participant “We want our films to show people who don’t know about Gateway all the things we do and what fun it is. We would really like some local businesses to show our film on their websites maybe so even more people know all about us.”
Sally Hargrave, Project and Fundraising Manager, “We have set up a You Tube and Twitter account and published 3 short films. We have nearly finished editing a promotional film in which members show what we do at Gateway and what Gateway means for them. We are planning to then make other short films showing different aspects of Gateway which we can share with people locally, including potential funders, sponsor’s, volunteers and members.”
Colchester Gateway work with adults with learning disabilities in North East Essex, offering social clubs, activities, trips, advocacy and the Gateway Award.
Mandy Hudson, Charity Manager said, “Thanks to this funding, we can provide a weekly opportunity for local people with a learning disability to come along, lead this project and for those who want to, work towards a Gateway Award.”
Chris Lunn, Director of Health Lottery East, said: “We are delighted that money raised by Health Lottery East is supporting such an important local project.”
Maria Garrett, participant, “We want to thank Health Lottery East, The Peoples Health Trust and everyone who buys a health lottery ticket! We have learnt lots making our films – it is quite difficult to do. If anyone wants to help us by showing our short films please speak to Sally (07720654519).”
Local grass roots charities in the East of England will benefit from Health Lottery tickets sold from 1 December until 29 December. What’s more, during that time, for every £1 entry into a weekly lottery draw the player will automatically be entered into the monthly mega raffle taking place on 1 January 2019, with a guaranteed prize of £250,000.
For more information, visit www.healthlottery.co.uk
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