Ross Forde and Jonathon Cox at Way Forward art workshop:

Half-term fun for Islanders with disabilities

This in from Krissy on behalf of Way Forward. Ed


The programme of events which includes computer skills, dance and prop making, is being organised by Way Forward, a local charity based at Downside Community Centre in Newport.

Programme Lead, Lee White, explains,

“Way Forward offers one of the most comprehensive programmes of support for people with physical or learning disabilities on the Isle of Wight.

“The taster week is a great opportunity for people to come and try out some of the wide range of activities we run and most importantly, have fun! The sessions are also an excellent way to demonstrate how we work people to build their skills and confidence to help them live as independently as possible.”

Several of those on the programme have gone on to have their art work sold through Island-wide exhibitions or showcased their outfits on the catwalk at the charity’s fashion show.

Way Forward provides support on both a one to one and group basis and runs 52 weeks of the year, including evenings and weekends.

Planned activities
The full schedule of activities planned for the February half term is:

Monday 16th Feb – Art – 10am to 3.30pm
Monday 16th Feb – Fun and Fitness – 10am to 12.30pm
Monday 16th Feb – Beauty Group – 10am to 12.30pm
Monday 16th Feb – Dance – 1pm to 3.30pm

Tuesday 17th Feb – Choir – 10am to 12.30pm
Tuesday 17th Feb – IT Group – 1pm to 3.30pm

Wednesday 18th Feb – Fashion – 10am to 3.30pm
Wednesday 18th Feb – Craft/Prop Making – 1pm to 3.30pm

Thursday 19th Feb – Drama – 10am to 12.30pm
Thursday 29th Feb – Dance – 1pm to 3.30pm

Friday 20th Feb – Music and Circus – 10am to 12.30pm
Friday 20th Feb – Film and Photography – 1pm to 3.30pm
Friday 20th Feb – Performance Theatre – 1pm to 3.30pm

The taster sessions are open to those over the age of 16. For more information or to book a place, contact Way Forward on 01983 523000 or by email [email protected]

What is Way Forward?
Way Forward is part of the Island charity Osel Enterprises, who have been supporting people with a disability on the Island for 28 years. We offer a seven day a week service, focusing on giving support to people whilst they build up the skills and confidence needed to live as independently as possible.

The care and support provided is funded using the customers’ own personal budget, grants and fundraising activities. We support adults and young people from 12 years to retirement age and beyond, with a learning or physical disability.

We also help those people on the Autistic Spectrum and people suffering from long term conditions, helping them maintain good mental health. Wight Crystal Water is also part of Osel Enterprises, and every bottle of water sold supports the Way Forward Programme.