‘Getting Involved’ with young disabled people
A teacher with visual impairment, a footballer with Fulham Deaf Ladies, a church youthworker and a painter and decorator were among those who signed up to get involved with a brand new disability youth programme.
On the 16th June, Christian disability charity, Through the Roof, launched ‘Integr8’ with an event entitled ‘Get Involved’ at the Tooting & Mitcham Hub leisure centre. Integr8 is an initiative that empowers, enables and equips young disabled people to make a positive difference both in the UK and in developing countries.
During the event, disabled and deaf Christians told their stories of how their faith had impacted their lives and challenged delegates to get involved with the charity’s new Integr8 programmes. “A brilliant start!” commented one disabled volunteer, “I can’t wait to get involved”.
Tim Wood, Development Manager for Through the Roof and the initiator of Integr8 commented, “Today’s launch shows that people value disabled youngsters who are often excluded – we’re committed to working with them to realise their potential to be actively involved in their faith and local communities to make a positive impact.”
The Integr8 programme has six themes - training for youth leaders; an e-mail network; a leadership and mentoring scheme; web pages (online at www.throughtheroof.org/wp/youth); events and expeditions to developing countries to include disabled children in education.
An Integr8 Sports and Arts day – called ‘Interactive & Inclusive’ - will be running on the 22nd September at The Salmon Youth Centre in Bermondsey.
More information:
Tim Wood - Through the Roof, P O Box 353, Epsom KT18 5WS
Phone mobile 07847 601691.
Email: tim@throughtheroof.org