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Status
Received: on time
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Income
£0.0K
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Spending
£0.5K
Public benefits
What are the direct benefits flowing from your organisation's purposes? The learning disabled are supported in developing their spirituality. Their access to Parish and Diocesan celebrations and activities promoted. Volunteers benefit from a growth in their own spirituality and find their communication skills are enhanced. All members, and the
youth in particular, are provided with an opportunity to learn from others, irrespective of their communications ability. Volunteers experience the spiritual and life skills benefits of involvement in Parish/Diocesan activities. Where applicable, all members are supported and encouraged to have their work formally acknowledged by external awarding bodies. Parents, guardians and carers receive respite while their dependants attend SPRED events. The openness and diversity of the church and the community are witnessed. How can the benefits identified above be demonstrated? After more than 30 years, 42 groups, over 250 learning disabled friends and 350 volunteers meet weekly. Many new groups were established since incorporation (2009), notably groups of pupils with special educational needs, 6th Form and HE student volunteers. Groups are increasingly involved in Parish and Diocesan activities. Our Special Friends and younger volunteers have received John Paul II Awards, recognising involvement in Parish and church activities. SPRED exhibits at the Down & Connor Diocesan Congress and led a workshop at a World Eucharistic Congress. With the support of local Councils and charitable funds, volunteers were able to take part in activities including cross-denomination courses about managing behaviours and Makaton training. Through fund raising, SPRED (D&C) holds a large event each June where members; Special Friends, Volunteers, Trustees and supporters meet, pray together, lunch and dance in a celebration of a great year sharing faith and love. Is there any harm arising from any of the purposes? None Who are the charity's beneficiaries? The learning disabled community, parents & guardians, volunteers, church community Is there any private benefit flowing from any of the purposes? Is it incidental and necessary? No
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
SPRED supports the spiritual development of individuals with learning disabilities through its groups of volunteers. Groups meet weekly from September to June, share their faith and mutual care. SPRED group meetings are held in accordance with a specially designed programme, known as the SPRED Method that ensures the engagement of all
irrespective of their ability to communicate with each other. While most groups are traditionally Parish based, in recent years SPRED (Down & Connor) has been working to build groups where students from Secondary Schools and 3rd Level Colleges share with pupils with special educational needs. SPRED (Down & Connor) is organised as a cross diocesan body to manage volunteer training, children and vulnerable adults safeguarding and governance of the organisation through the offices of its Director (Executive) and overseen by its Management Committee. The Board of Trustees/ Directors administers the Charity through its Management Committee, meeting once a month from September to June. The Management Committee ensures its staff and volunteers are able to engage more directly with their Parish, the Diocese and wider community to promote its aims of integration for all, irrespective of ability. In addition, SPRED (Down & Connor) works with other organisation, both religious and lay, which support and promote the learning disabled Subcommittees, including a finance subcommittee, are appointed and meet as required. The Board of Trustees/Directors is responsible for safeguarding our members and the finances of SPRED (Down & Connor) and the Finance Subcommittee is responsible for securing funding.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage
Who the charity helps
- Carers
- Learning disabilities
- Parents
- Volunteers
- Youth (14-25 year olds)
How the charity works
- Disability
- Education/training
- Human rights/equality
- Religious activities
