Partnership project with Rotherham Council where we developed a range of community options for, and led by, people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.
There were two main strands to the project:
Work started in February 2017 with varied taster sessions which enabled people who attend day centres to try different activities in the community before progressing on to the different parts of the project above.
As a result of the community micro-enterprise development programme, people with a learning disability now have an extensive range of community-based support options to choose from, helping people to have new experiences, form and maintain friendships and networks, contribute to their community and gain volunteering and work opportunities.
The People Can Project supported individuals or small groups to do their own thing and take a lead on what matters to them. This has led to some fantastic projects and one person setting up their own business.
Across all aspects of the project, the focus has been on supporting people’s ideas, aspirations and passions. Read this short end-of-project report for a quick summary.
During June 2021, across the UK, people celebrated the themes of art and creativity. Please see this story from one community enterprise ‘ArtWorks’ and the incredible ‘ArtWorks Together’ international arts competition.
“Community Catalysts has helped us to think outside the box and deliver on our strategy of My Front Door to build local infrastructure and provide better, greater choices for people with a learning disability. They have worked creatively and in partnership at all levels to support the necessary system and culture change required for our transformational vision.”
Garry Parvin – Joint Head of Learning Disability, Autism and Transitions Commissioning – Strategic Commissioning
“The enterprise leaders in Rotherham and staff here within adult social care are very lucky to have someone like you at the helm. I have and continue to appreciate what you have achieved. I’ve seen you take newbie services and help them to develop to a point where my trust in them has grown. This was as a direct result of your intervention and guidance. Your efforts have helped to change the culture and concept of care in Rotherham and its made our role as reviewer so much easier as a result.”
Phillip Layfield – Reviewing Officer
“Community Catalysts have been a great support in helping us get established in Rotherham. They have supported us to network with other great organisations and involve us in a variety of projects which has helped our service grow from strength to strength.”
Liz Carrington – ArtWorks
“In Rotherham we have been working with Community Catalysts for a number of years, it has been a great experience and we have delivered together a number of exciting initiatives, providing exciting opportunities for people. Harry from Community Catalysts is seen as part of the wider team in our transformation agenda and we could not have got as far as we have without that challenge, innovation and support.”
Anne-Marie Lubanski, Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health
