‘A Reason to Get Up’ (ARTGU) aims to engage young people aged 16+ with a learning disability in meaningful daytime activities within the Surrey community.
There are a variety of sessions available, on a half day or full day basis. ARTGU is aimed at young people who have completed the college course available to them or are reluctant to enter or re-enter formal adult services but have yet to find employment in the widest sense. In this situation, without support and direction, young people can become demotivated leading to inactive, isolated lifestyles. ARTGU provides a programme of opportunities to make the most of their interests and skills, learn new skills and have experiences that can enhance their ability to find satisfying employment.
ARTGU provides a programme of opportunities to make the most of their interests and skills, learn new skills and have experiences that can enhance their ability to find satisfying employment.
support young people to lead fulfilling lives by making a positive contribution in their community, and by developing friendships activities and relationships.
support young people to gain a sense of purpose, satisfaction and opportunity and thus increase their self-confidence and future aspiration.
support young people to transition into adult life by gaining practical and personal skills.
The key to this approach is creative, fresh, innovative opportunities that will motivate young people to build upon their own hobbies, interests and passions, and subsequently lead them to feel more confident to explore employment opportunities.
A Reason to Get Up is pleased to be able to offer this brand new activity focussed around the food we eat. Cook and Grow sessions will help young people understand where food comes from, how it is grown, nutrition, the benefits of growing your own food and even creative ways to cook food products people may find challenging!
Cook and Grow sessions will be based at Birtley House and will involve young people learning how to grow food on site and then learning how to cook from the ground to the plate, using well known recipes and also novel recipes that we can support young people to create. As their skills develop we hope to offer relevant training and work experience at Birtley House as well as becoming involved in creating food products to be sold at local community events.
Crafty Creations -Young people are involved in a art and craft activity that will create, sell and market eco-friendly products with the aim of using reusable materials. They have the opportunity to learn and experiment with different craft and art techniques whilst promoting their individual creativeness. They are responsible for creating imaginative art and craft products. The group recently sold festive products at the Guildford Christmas Light Switch in 2015 and 2016. The group regularly showcase and sell their art and craft in the local community.
IT Crowd - Young people who have a keen interest in using IT are involved in group projects such as filmmaking, and individual projects such as blogging and creating newsletters to promote and build upon their computer and technology skills. Young people also can work on the personal goals such as CV building and job/volunteering applications for example. The Young Persons cheeky blog can be viewed here and watch IT crowd Youtube Videos here.
Fit Club - This activity aims to promote an active and healthier lifestyle towards positive physical and mental health by offering a programme of energetic weekly gym sessions, periodic exercise classes (e.g. yoga) and health related topic sessions.
In November 2011 we asked our young people how they felt about finding work in their local community and together we decided to create a film to illustrate their thoughts. "A journey of hope to find work" this film created the inspiration for ARTGU and we hope this programme will support our young people in their journey to find employment.