Charity Bridges Social Care Gap

Capability Scotland’s Dumfries & Galloway service has recently launched a new project, Capability Connectz. This project will support young people, aged 16-25 with learning disabilities to develop life skills and enjoy many of the same experiences and opportunities as other young people across the region. The project is a result of the cessation of the previously offered Dumfries & Galloway College course with similar aims. Capability Scotland staff previously supported this college course and have witnessed first-hand the huge void this cancellation has left for young people and their families.

During the launch, Capability Scotland was presented with a cheque for £34,457 from The Holywood Trust. This funding will allow them to improve their facilities and cover the staffing and other related costs of the project. The cheque was presented by The Holywood Trust’s Grants Officer Sammie Smith who said, “We are committed to helping young people fulfil their potential through our individual and organisational grant-giving, and are delighted to support Capability Scotland through this project. We can’t wait to see Capability Connectz progress and the impact it has on young people.”

The project started as an original idea of the staff team at Dumfries & Galloway and was developed through Capability Scotland’s ChangeMakers initiative facilitated by The Lens Perspective. The initiative aimed to support staff across the national charity to put their ideas into action. Rebecca Queen, Service Manager at Capability Scotland, Dumfries & Galloway said “we have listened to the needs and concerns of young people and their families and are delighted to create a space for them to build skills and relationships and truly thrive.”

To find out more about Capability Connectz, contact Nicola Ross on 07815654562.