Young disabled people in Edinburgh are thriving after gaining valuable skills, thanks to new volunteering opportunities from Leonard Cheshire Disability.
The charity’s ‘Can Do’ volunteering programme supports 16-35 year olds with disabilities to gain life skills through training and volunteering in their community. Since 2015 the charity has run Can Do schemes in Edinburgh and in its most recent year it supported 144 disabled people. As well as boosting the skills and confidence of young disabled people, volunteering placements break down barriers to employment by raising awareness about disability and educating organisations on working with disabled people.
A group of volunteers from Edinburgh College have been participating in a series of community activities including preparing Christmas dinner for residents at the charity’s Wardieburn social care service.
Volunteer Carrie-Ann Bremner said: “I really enjoyed taking part in Can Do and the Christmas lunch at Wardieburn service home. I have learned new skills and I’m getting help from Leonard Cheshire to take part in further volunteering roles in their service homes.”
The programme of activities hugely benefited the young volunteers from Edinburgh College. Audrey Smith, Work Placement Support Coordinator at Edinburgh College said: “Can Do has been amazing and been really good for the students involved in the recent project. As the weeks have gone by the students’ confidence has grown. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Can Do and being involved in this project.”
The volunteers were presented with their Can Do qualifications by Joan Griffiths, Depute Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh. Cllr Griffiths said: “What a brilliant way of recognising the contribution of disabled people to our communities across the city and the positive impact of Leonard Cheshire’s ‘Can Do’ Project.
“The charity continues to motivate and inspire young disabled people here in Edinburgh, 100 years on since the founder’s birth in 1917, and these awards mark the contribution of young people to our city and our communities. It has been an honour to present the 2017 certificates. Congratulations to the winners and everyone involved.”
The new and existing Can Do projects in Scotland are possible thanks to funding from Howdens Joinery, the charity’s partner.
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