“I couldn’t believe how much more relaxed I felt after just one session.”

– Lighthouse Tai Chi with the Burnley Connect Group

Our Community programme provides a positive environment of guidance and support, helping individuals to engage within all aspects of their community. We provide support to identify hobbies and interests in their local area, for example; supporting individuals to enrol at their local library, participate in voluntary work, access social groups, attend leisure centres and social activities.

The project encourages individuals to try new things, develop their skills, and improve their confidence and well-being which inspires them to have a positive approach when applying for jobs as a deaf or disabled person.

The core offer of this programme is as outlined below;

• Support to develop social activities and events for you to attend in your local community (sports, dance classes, arts and crafts, exercise sessions).

• Provide a friendly environment that will encourage individuals to come together (job clubs, training, CV workshops and support sessions).

• Remove feelings of isolation by helping you to build links with in your local community.

• Provide awareness workshops in health and well being initiatives i.e. alcohol awareness, avoiding and managing stress, ways of healthier eating and Change4Life.

• Support your health and well being needs i.e. stop smoking service, weight management support and healthy lifestyle services.

• Encourage volunteering opportunities.

• Signpost individuals to our collaborative local agencies to raise awareness of support services and entitlements (Local CVS, clubs and societies, Citizens Advice Bureau and Job Centre).

• Set up Disability and local community forums.