People wanting to donate to a charity that helps those with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire are being urged to help it receive a double boost.

Reach Learning Disability is again taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, a national matched-funding campaign enabling people to have donations to charity doubled for one week — from 30th November to 7th December.

Money raised for Reach will go towards its Holidays & More Project. It is aiming for £16,000 towards the costs of planning supported holidays and fun leisure activities and day trips.

The project will also offer family carers a much-needed break, knowing that their loved ones are well looked after.
Reach wants to offer accessible activities, enabling clients to get out and about following the isolation caused by lockdowns.

Reach Mansfield’s Out and About group recently enjoyed a picnic at Titchfield Park – their first outing together since March 2020.

They have also been getting to know their local area, including having lunch at Mansfield Town Football Club’s Sandy’s Bar, bowling at Mansfield Superbowl, and taking part in a gaming session at Arena Church, Mansfield, where they played snakes and ladders, and pool.

Maria Williams, Reach Mansfield Centre manager, explained: “Activities like these help our clients to build confidence and develop the skills needed for greater independence.”

Reach Mansfield client, John, said: “I love bowling as it’s great exercise for counting my steps! I love seeing my friends and having a laugh with everyone at Reach.”

Steve Shatwell, Reach chief executive, said: “People with learning disabilities face more barriers than ever to having new experiences.

“Lockdowns have left many clients feeling worried about going out and about again, because of low self-confidence and increased social anxiety. Even before the pandemic, several clients had rarely, if ever, left Nottinghamshire.

“We are asking people to support our appeal to help us provide bespoke support for our clients so they can experience new places and activities.

“Everyone deserves the chance to have fun and make great memories with their friends.”

During the Big Give Christmas Challenge donations made online are matched by a national charity champion and pledgers.

This year Reach’s charity champion is The Reed Foundation. Local pledgers include first4care and private individuals.

To get donations doubled, go to https://www.thebiggive.org.uk/s/christmas-challenge between noon on 30th November and noon on 7th December and search for Reach Learning Disability, Holidays & More. Alternatively, go to www.reachuk.org for more details. For an e-mail reminder nearer the time, contact Laura on [email protected] or 01636 819066.