Skills for independence
Residential short-stay projects especially designed for young people aged 18-25. At similar locations to the Inclusive Living projects, this programme provides an opportunity for small groups of disabled and non-disabled young people to take part in challenging outdoor activities and workshops. A wide variety of educational and vocational experiences are incorporated into the activities and adventures to provide an informative yet informal experience. Examples of workshops could include a hands-on first aid session, creating a DVD and designing the cover; designing, building and racing model cars.
Each project provides a supportive environment to encourage self confidence and independence and, through team work, participants gain valuable inter-personal skills and a real sense of achievement.
Below is an account written by a Phab Youth Club Leader.
Dukes Barn Derbyshire 2009
At 1.00pm on Saturday the 24th
August 2009, there was an
excitement in the air as 46 people
gathered together for the Phab
Skills for Independence Project at
Dukes Barn in Derbyshire.
The first task was for us all to
make our beds and introduce
ourselves to our new room-mates.
Everyone was expected to do as
much as they possibly could for
themselves, including setting
tables, choosing lunches and
organising our specialist outdoor
clothing. Everyone helped each
other along and soon everything
was in order and we were ready to
hear what we were tackling during
the week.
We soon realised it was to be a
very busy week! The activities
included climbing, canoeing,
caving, archery, ropes courses and
various team challenges.
There was some time for
relaxing; in fact we spent a very
civilised afternoon having
afternoon tea at Chatsworth
House in its beautiful surroundings
watching the deer wandering
around.
Dukes Barn is situated on the
Chatsworth House Estate and we
are able to take full advantage of
the amazing grounds including
canoeing on their private lake.
In the evenings there was time to
socialise with our friends, old and
new, in the games room or just
chilling out in the lounge. We also
got the opportunity to go swimming
or bowling at a nearby leisure
centre. On the Thursday evening
we enjoyed a delicious barbecue
and afterwards everyone was
presented with certificates to show
how much we had achieved.
On the final day the Dukes Barn
staff took us to the Heights of
Abraham, a cable car adventure
where we had an excellent view of
the stunning Peak District.
On a Phab Skills for
Independence, you really do get to
challenge yourself and at the end
of the week the sense of
achievement is fantastic.
There was a huge amount of
encouragement from the
participants, Dukes Barn and Phab
staff that nothing is too difficult and
it enables you to try things you
never thought you could!
Lorna Stephens
Hounslow Phab Club Leader
To see images of the project, please click here
For details of the 2010 projects, please contact Rebecca Hargreaves on (01254) 824784 or email rebecca.hargreaves@phab.org.uk