Hartlepool organisation issues appeal to help disabled people stay entertained in lockdown

Pathways to Independence provides bespoke support to adults and children aged from 10 up to 80 to take part in local social activities.

But as the lockdown means people are spending most of their time at home, the not-for-profit organisation is appealing for games, crafts and activities to help occupy clients minds and time.

Support worker Denise Bell explained: “Usually, we take clients out shopping, for walks, swimming, to the cinema, bowling; anything to access all the amenities in their local community.

“With the lockdown some are struggling. They’re getting bored.

“When I did a shift last week one couple I see said ‘there’s nothing to get up for’.

“I contacted my manager and suggested doing an appeal.”

They are appealing for items such as board games, colouring books, jigsaws, word search books, craft materials.

Denise added: “Normally I go round the charity shops and pick up jigsaws and pass them on but of course the shops are shut.

“One lady likes to crochet a lot and she has run out of wool.

“We will distribute everything among service users and when the lockdown is lifted I will pass on any suitable items to the charity shops so they remain in the community.”

Pathways to Independence, based on Usworth Road, currently has 89 service users.

It also provides a drop in facility where before the lockdown allowed clients to meet up with friends in their local community.

The service was rated Good by Ofsted at the last inspection in June last year.

Ofsted said: “Staff worked very closely and sensitively with people and supported them to experience a wider range of activities as well as improve their daily living skills.

“People said all the staff were friendly and made them feel at ease.”

Staff can arrange to collect any donations from people’s homes while observing social distancing rules.

Contact the office on (01429) 235551.

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