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The national Gateway Award scheme was first introduced at West Berkshire Mencap in 1997 to provide adults with the opportunity to participate in a nationally recognised award that rewards their achievements and endeavours.
The key aims and objectives of the award are to:
Allow participation through integration
To further personal skills through social interaction
To develop existing skills and hobbies and enable the opportunity of experiencing new ones
To give recognition for achievement.
The Gateway Award is run along side the more widely known "Duke of Edinburgh's Award" with the same three levels of achievement - Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Within these three levels members have to fulfil five sections - Physical activity, Personal Skills, Hobbies, Service and Expedition/Exploration with all sections having a minimum time requirement. With no upper age limit members are not restricted to a set time to complete the awards.
Here at West Berkshire Mencap we currently have 27 members working towards their awards with ages ranging from 19 to 60+ thus proving that age need not limit the desire to achieve objectives.
The group meets on a Monday evening where various activities are available along with expert guidance to help member's fulfil their sections. Some of the activities include a woodwork project, making various useful items, cookery, Knitting and arts and crafts.
We work closely with the three main emergency services to provide a safety awareness course and basic first aid skills. During the summer months members have the opportunity to participate in workshops relating to their expedition/exploration section. They learn basic map skills, Camp craft including putting up tents and cooking.
Active individual participation outside the group is encouraged to fulfil chosen projects with support and supervision from our staff. All members of our group are actively encouraged to support other worthwhile charities as part of their service section, these include: BBC "Children in Need" and the Shoe Box Appeal. Other forms of service include: helping at the Canine Defence League kennels, helping the elderly and working with others with learning disabilities.
We are always in need of volunteers to help so if you have lots of enthusiasm and want to support a very worthwhile activity please get in touch.
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