Outreach
What Is Outreach?
‘Outreach’ was started during Covid restrictions to provide services to our community members who did not otherwise have access to day services. Due to the success of the project we have continued to grow and develop outreach and are now well established within the community. A key component of outreach is that the group providing it is not stationary, but mobile; in other words, it involves meeting someone in need of an outreach service at the location where they are or in one of our new Hubs that we have identified in the community. In addition to delivering services, Outreach has an educational role, raising the awareness of existing services.
Outreach is often meant to fill in the gap in the services provided by mainstream services, however we at Cherry Road believe that it’s more than just a service that fills a gap. We believe that Outreach creates opportunities for individuals that really focus on specific activities that are tailored to each individual.
Cherry Road and Artlink decided we needed to take our ideas to the next level. Using the same model as Thursday Live we looked to expand what we were doing. We identified key staff members who are enthusiastic, creative and skilled individuals, able to facilitate groups, both independently and in collaboration with others. We also wanted to match the different acts with the client’s individual preferences and tailor each show in order to make each performance matter to the audience.
What we do?
We provide a meaningful Outreach programme that is more inclusive of people’s needs and tailored to individual’s preferences. We work with providers and with families to gauge the level of input people need from us.
Working with such complex disabilities and needs, we know that above all we need to provide a safe and effective service.
We have identified new and exciting Hubs throughout the community where we are running more Outreach sessions from. The Steading in Rosewell, The Beacon in Gorebridge and McSence in Mayfield are used to facilitate a wide range of sessions, ranging from Arts & Crafts to Sensory Storytelling to Woodwork and Social Networking sessions.
What’s Next?
Our aim is to fulfil the needs of people with learning disabilities….
As Outreach continues to grow so does the opportunity for others to access this new and exciting service. If you think that Outreach would suit you or someone you know that may need a new exciting service please get in touch with us using the details below.
Call and ask to speak to Aga or Hanna on:
0131-561-5402
Alternatively you can email us on:
Agnieszka.rozik-szyszka@midlothian.gov.uk
Hanna.burger@midlothian.gov.uk
or Artlink contact Sophie Orton: Sophie@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
Releasing Your Potential 