{"id":54607,"date":"2021-11-16T13:33:03","date_gmt":"2021-11-16T13:33:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=54607"},"modified":"2021-11-16T16:44:08","modified_gmt":"2021-11-16T16:44:08","slug":"vision-21-the-social-enterprise-helping-people-with-learning-disabilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2021\/11\/16\/vision-21-the-social-enterprise-helping-people-with-learning-disabilities\/","title":{"rendered":"VISION 21: The social enterprise helping people with learning disabilities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fairwater-based group supports trainees with work placements and day-to-day interaction<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

VISION 21\u2019s Fairwater community centre is helping individuals with learning disabilities gain transferable skills and provide a safe space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rebranded V21 Sbectrwm Centre, on Bwlch Road, houses several V21 projects, including a caf\u00e9, crafts and community garden run by the group which supports people with learning difficulties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rachael Walker, 32, V21\u2019s marketing and communications manager said: \u201cThe centre adds purpose to their day, which is so important.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One trainee, who is part of the caf\u00e9 project, expressed their happiness at returning to the centre after lockdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt has been amazing since being back. When I am not here, I just stay at home in my room all day,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides the cafe, the centre creates an environment for the trainees to express themselves creatively, in a setting they can trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chris Bowsher, 42, V21\u2019s volunteering and marketing manager, said: \u201cWe create a safe space, with a work edge that just works.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One trainee spoke about the importance the centre has had in developing their social skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI 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\u2019t come and now it is back up,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The institution has been rebranded since Covid-19, with part of the relaunch including the new abbreviation of V21.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vision 21, translates to \u2018vision of the 21st<\/sup> century.\u2019 A slogan created by a trainee at the centre, emphasising the success of the trainees being the driving force behind the organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rebrand of V21 incorporates all projects under one name, generating a greater awareness and identity of who the organisation are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPart of the rebrand was to show we offer a work-based service,\u201d said Chris.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"