Belle Vue group enjoying Christmas

People with learning disabilities who attend a social club in Shrewsbury have been enjoying a Christmas lunch, thanks to help from a local chef. 

About 15 people regularly use Belle Vue Youth Club as a base to carry out a variety of activities every week, which they fund through their personal care budgets.

Activities include enterprise work, such as making items to be sold at craft fairs and other events; and a relationship group, who are supported by professionals to develop social interaction.

There is also a group who regularly drop into the building to catch up with friends and play pool.

A Christmas lunch was held on Friday 20 December 2013, when chef Glyn Jenkins, who regularly volunteers with the group, cooked up a special festive meal.

Members of the group helped with the preparation of the food, and were joined by local residents for the lunch as part of an ongoing project to build links between the group and the local community.

Organisers are hoping to offer a public computer hub at the building to encourage further interaction between local residents and the group.

Father Christmas dropped in on Friday to deliver some presents, kindly donated by Severnside Housing, to complete the merriment.

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council ‘s Cabinet member for adult services, said:

“The majority of people who now meet at Belle Vue Youth Club formerly attended traditional day centres, and it’s a great example of how people are using their personal budgets to fund more flexible activities.

“Adult social care is changing: people are encouraged to be an active part of their community, rather than being dependent on council-run services, so it’s heartening to see groups like this thriving and providing such positive support for people.”