Awards Winner – Rooftop Housing Group

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Can Do Club

The Can Do Club involves disabled residents and older people from the community who initially came together through volunteering for Rooftop Housing. They planned to meet once per week in a sheltered scheme to share hobbies and ideas; this became the ‘Can Do’ Club which now involves a wide variety of activities. In partnership with Working World, the Club has access to a mini-bus widening the possible range of activities. The Club has developed its own constitution, with a committee of five and a volunteer co-ordinator, and raises and manages funds from grants and donations; provides activities and trips suitable for all members regardless of their disability; and provides a safe, pleasant environment for people with disabilities to make new friends

Why we liked this project

The Can Do Club is specifically aimed at older people with a disability. It promotes positive messages about what people can do and empowers individuals to develop friendships and socialise. Scheme and community residents join in activities and three participants have achieved a food hygiene certificate. Wider benefits have included: improving people’s experience of care, building stronger relationships between services and communities, mutual support, developing confidence, improving health and well-being; and reducing isolation. Rooftop also hopes to develop more groups like the Can Do Club, run independently with volunteer support.

“Considering the immense hard work and unique projects that were submitted, we were honoured to be shortlisted. After meeting the other candidates at the awards ceremony, we were surprised and delighted to be announced winners. The group are currently in discussion on how the money will be spent a trip to Severn Valley Railway is potentially on the cards. We all had a fantastic day and felt very proud to win the award.”

Leah Jones – Rooftop Housing Volunteer

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