TAKE ME! - Estuary LIFE Magazines
TAKE ME! - Estuary LIFE Magazines
TAKE ME! - Estuary LIFE Magazines
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SWANS<br />
Many of you will know about SWANS and the services it offers but for the uninitiated, here is a brief history lesson.<br />
SWANS (which stands for Sometimes We All Need Support) was formed<br />
back in 1994 by a small group of like minded people interested in taking<br />
some courses and realising that the facilities just weren’t there for people<br />
with physical and/or sensory impairments. Rather than give in and say<br />
“oh well”, they approached the local adult education services who agreed<br />
to put on a course in St Cedds House in central Maldon, which would be<br />
accessible. After a while, that money ran out and the group decided they<br />
would have to fi nd a way to fund it themselves. And so SWANS was born.<br />
Since those days they have fl ourished (not without a share of bad times<br />
along the way) and now offer a wide range of courses and services<br />
to physically and sensory impaired adults in the Mid Essex area. The<br />
new program starts week beginning 16th April and includes IT, Digital<br />
photography, craft, ‘Beat the Blues’ (a blend of different subjects to help<br />
deal with day-to-day stresses), the book club and a creative writing course.<br />
In addition there will be a series of sessions with a more social focus, giving<br />
course members the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities.<br />
SWANS also have a fully equipped therapy suite, offering treatments by<br />
qualifi ed and insured therapists. So, if you are a physically or sensory<br />
impaired adult (or know someone who is) and you want to increase your<br />
skill base - to improve employment opportunities or enhance your social life<br />
- then get in touch. SWANS also offer a range of opportunities for people<br />
who want to volunteer, with full training so are interested in talking to you if<br />
you are able to become a volunteer driver or a volunteer “buddy”.<br />
SWANS supports its activities through grants and local fundraising and over<br />
the past year this has included an annual Charity Ball, which was a great<br />
success - with high quality ‘activity and gift’ packages being auctioned. A<br />
big thank you to all of the generous bidders! We had a very successful<br />
collection day at Tesco, where Santa distributed sweets to children and<br />
there was the opportunity to have a photo taken with him and a stunning<br />
From John Picton - SWANS Business Development Manager<br />
Harley Davidson motorbike! Members, friends and supporters have<br />
undertaken a variety of sponsored events including swims, half marathons<br />
and even running through mud! We worked with Andy Harris Custom<br />
Cycles to put on the Bikes and Barges Motorcycle Show in Promenade<br />
Park, Maldon and we are delighted to say that this year we are joining<br />
forces with the Maldon Classic Car show and Bikes and Barges to put on<br />
a combined event. The two shows (1st July) will cover most of Promenade<br />
Park and will be completely free. They look likely to be the best yet!<br />
For even more information about SWANS and how to join in, please<br />
give us a call on 01621 841491 (if we aren’t there, leave a message and<br />
we will get back to you) or visit our web site www.swans.org.uk.<br />
6 For editorial call 01206 386666 | For advertising call 01621 854333 or email enquiry@estuarylife.co.uk | via website at www.estuarylife.co.uk