Fairwater-based group supports trainees with work placements and day-to-day interaction
VISION 21’s Fairwater community centre is helping individuals with learning disabilities gain transferable skills and provide a safe space.
The rebranded V21 Sbectrwm Centre, on Bwlch Road, houses several V21 projects, including a café, crafts and community garden run by the group which supports people with learning difficulties.
Rachael Walker, 32, V21’s marketing and communications manager said: “The centre adds purpose to their day, which is so important.”
One trainee, who is part of the café project, expressed their happiness at returning to the centre after lockdown.
“It has been amazing since being back. When I am not here, I just stay at home in my room all day,” they said.
Besides the cafe, the centre creates an environment for the trainees to express themselves creatively, in a setting they can trust.
Chris Bowsher, 42, V21’s volunteering and marketing manager, said: “We create a safe space, with a work edge that just works.”
One trainee spoke about the importance the centre has had in developing their social skills.
“I love coming here to meet new friends and talk to people. My confidence has gone really high, it was down last year when I couldn’t come and now it is back up,” they said.
The institution has been rebranded since Covid-19, with part of the relaunch including the new abbreviation of V21.
Vision 21, translates to ‘vision of the 21st century.’ A slogan created by a trainee at the centre, emphasising the success of the trainees being the driving force behind the organisation.
The rebrand of V21 incorporates all projects under one name, generating a greater awareness and identity of who the organisation are.
“Part of the rebrand was to show we offer a work-based service,” said Chris.
The centre’s café has recently been revamped to accommodate more customers, thanks to funding from the National Lottery.
Chris said: “With the expansion of the café we want to bring the community in and have a coffee outside.”
As part of the initiative to incorporate more of the community, the centre is hosting its first public events next month when a ceramic wreath workshop and a needle felting workshop are both happening on Saturday 4th December.
Both are opportunities for the community to learn more about the centre and V21 are asking people to come and get involved or just turn up for a coffee.
Chris said: “Get involved, come buy from us, have a coffee, come volunteer, donate.”
The centre is also home to three meeting rooms and a hall to rent, with all the proceeds going towards funding the programme. Trainees also create pottery to be sold at the Cardiff Christmas market and on Etsy.
To further support V21 and hear more about the initiative visit their website or follow them on twitter.
