MEMBERS of Mencap Ceredigion’s Help Llaw project have, for the last six months, been working with the community of Llanyfriog to brighten the area around the church and village hall. The volunteers, who all have learning disabilities, have been busy with all sorts of jobs, including land clearing, painting, cleaning and general maintenance. The main aims of the project are to give learning disabled people some work skills, to gain a sense of belonging to a community and more importantly to show the community a more positive view of the ability of people with disabilities.
Anita Clasby, team leader for the project, said: “This project has proved to be a great success with our members. Although it gives them some valuable skills, what is more important is that they are working on jobs that are of benefit to the whole community. Our members are really enjoying their time in what is a beautiful and peaceful area. We are so grateful to those in the community who have lent us tools, and given advice and encouragement. If we are in need of help, we post on the village Facebook page or pass the word around and by the next day, we have what we need.”
Lee James, one of the volunteers who was born and bought up in the area, said: “I suffered a really bad accident some years ago which has left me with disabilities and life has not been easy. Since joining this hard working team, I can say that for the first time since my accident I feel I am of some use to people. Just to hear someone thank me for the work I am doing is better than any medication.”
Jan Kench, Chair of Mencap Ceredigion, said: “For many of our members, they are only aware of what people say they can’t do. With this project, they find out what they can do and, believe me, with a little support they can do just as much as anyone else.”
The team recently were delighted when Ceredigion County Council donated fruit trees to the village, which the team quickly planted on the lane leading to Llandyfriog Church and Hall.
Llandyfriog’s County Councillor, Mr Towyn Evans, came to cut the first piece of turf and to help them plant the trees. He took time to chat to the members and was very impressed with what they have done so far to benefit the area.
The members can’t wait for the spring when the trees will be in bloom for everyone in the community to enjoy.
Help Llaw is a project run by volunteers and is financed by kind donations from the public.
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