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Outreach 2000

 

Outreach 2000 is an extension of the Grange Resource Centre in Dunfermline and although self-funding, we receive some assistance with transport and Grange Centre staff support in a facilitating role.

We meet every Thursday and Friday (excluding Christmas and New Year weeks), with members arriving at approx 9.30am and leaving at approx 3.00pm. We have recently moved premises and are now based at Hill of Beath Club in the village of Hill of Beath. At the present time we have eight members in total, who come from Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly and BallinHill of Beath ClubBowlinggry to attend the group. The group meetings are facilitated by three staff members.

Group members agree that it is important to be able to get out and about in the local community and it is one of our main aims to become involved in local projects, particularly those that highlight disability issues e.g. access, roads and pavements and environmental issues. In the past we have worked on shared projects with local school children that have promoted disabilities. This proved to be a very enjoyable experience for all.

Members are very supportive of each other and respect the needs of others. Together with staff support, we work towards increasing confidence and improving self-esteem. Maintaining independence is also a priority and Group members are encouraged to make their own decisions and choices.

A wide range of indoor activities are enjoyed including arts, craftwork, card-making, baking, crosswords, board games, discussion groups and relaxation/hand massage sessions. New suggestions and ideas are welcome and staff and members work together to try to implement them whenever possible.

Recently the group purchased two laptop computers, a digital camera and other accessories. Members aim to develop skills, which can assist with letter writing to keep in touch with family and friend who live further afield. Another option is for committee members to use them to keep records of group funds or for reporting on activities. We can also enjoy watching DVDís listening to music and computer games. We are considering using them for internet access in the near future.

Buying the computer equipment took the group on a trip to Perth to a large retain outlet to seek advice on their planned purchases, and this was combined with a meal out in Perth.

The group also made a few other trips last summer, and enjoyed a particularly nice day in Anstruther when on of our members experienced her first day out to a Scottish seaside town; the day was rounded off with some delicious fish and chips.

Our trip to Callander allowed us to enjoy different views and scenery in the surrounding countryside and hills. An outing to Falkirk Wheel with a barge trip on the canal was a totally new experience for many.

Going out on the trips also gave us the opportunity to try out our new digital camera. We hope you enjoy our photos (see attached).

Volunteers can be very useful in a group like ours and we welcome enquiries from anyone interest in assisting the group. Last year we organised an open day to introduce ourselves to the public and to invite family and carers to share our achievements. This was a new venture for us and members were very enthusiastic about it.

We regularly organise fund-raising events and try to make these a sociable experience for all concerned. Members usually make items for sale at these events and we very much appreciate the donations we receive from family, carers, friends and local businesses who donate items for sale.

We also hold regular group committee meetings where we discuss our planned activities. Members make a small weekly contribution that can then be used to assist with the funding of our trips, or the purchase of equipment and materials.

We look forward to an interesting, fun and challenging year ahead.

Contact: Alex Penman, Senior Day Centre Officer
e-mail: alex.penman@fife.gov.uk
Tel.: 01383 602355
Address: Grange Resource Centre, 13 Dickson Street, Dunfermline, Fife KY12 7SL

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