The idea
Nickel Support is a community interest company, supporting adults with learning disabilities to develop and run their own social enterprises. We currently run four main enterprises; up-cycling, soft furnishings, upholstery and jams & chutneys. The products that are made are sold through our physical retail shop and online, all through the Nickel Support project 'Interestingly Different'. Profits generated through the enterprises go back into the organisation and pay people with learning disabilities a wage. We are in an exciting position whereby we are moving into a building which has been purchased specifically for us by The James Trust to move into this year. It will be refurbished specifically for us and our organisation. Although much of the building work funding has been secured through The James Trust, our part of the agreement is to gain funds for a passenger lift to make the building fully accessible and also for solar panels to meet environmental planning regulations
What we'll deliver
- Passenger lift over four floors
- Solar panels
Why it's a great idea
This project is a wonderful opportunity for adults with learning disabilities to step out of the shadows and play a more prominent role in their community. The new purpose refurbishment building will give Nickel Support the opportunity to offer our award winning guidance and support service to around eighty people with learning disabilities living in and around the borough. This new building will give us a greater presence, meaning that we are to develop a more diverse and larger product range, support more people with learning disabilities to develop confidence and this in turn create more paid employment opportunities. With building being over four floors, it is so important that we are fully accessible, to ensure we are offering the opportunity for all. This is why the lift is integral to the building. It is also important to have solar panels on the roof to not only ensure we meet the planning conditions, but also to reduce our environmental impact.
Steps to get it done
- Lift preparatory work undertaken
- Lift installed
- Solar panels installed
Our mission to revolutionise services for adults with learning disabilities, by creating employment opportunities through social enterprises. Our vision is to have adults with learning disabilities standing side by side with their peers in their community. On a national level only around 6% of people with learning disabilities are currently in paid employment in the UK. This shocking statistic needs to be addressed and Nickel Support are addressing this and is improving upon it. The other issue Nickel Support wants to address is the worrying 'throw away' generation we are currently experiencing. It is important we re-use and save 'waste' from landfill, thus. We can no longer ignore the environmental impact we are having on our surroundings. We have addressed these issues through our enterprise model.
