Rural resource and wellbeing centre has easier access thanks to Wales & West Housing
Vulnerable individuals in the Bridgend area can take part in a range of activities at a rural resource wellbeing Centre run by STEER thanks to sponsorship of a minibus from Wales & West Housing.
STEER – The Enterprise Academy is a social enterprise based in Tondu House at the edge of the Llynfi Valley, which provides various activities for vulnerable groups in their community. They have a community café, workshops, training room and outdoor spaces where they provide wellbeing and engagement for vulnerable and socially-excluded people of all ages.
The programmes and activities include forest school, bushcraft, animal care, an outdoor green gym and skills development.
However, service users including some Wales & West Housing residents from Bridgend and others living in outlying areas, were struggling to get to the 43 -acre centre to take part.
Wales & West Housing Community Development Officer Laura Allcott was able to help by securing sponsorship through WWH’s Making A Difference fund and, worked with colleague Peter Jackson, Managing Director of WWH’s Group company Cambria Maintenance Services and their suppliers, to secure a brand-new Ford Transit minibus for the organisation.
Peter Jackson, said: “We were delighted to be able to make a difference to the people who STEER work with.”
“Days Cardiff, who provide all our WWH fleet vehicles, supplied the vehicle at a discount and PopIn Vehicle Graphics, who wrap all our vehicles in our branding, created a bespoke design for the STEER bus.”
“We hope the people using the bus will be able to join in more activities and have many safe and comfortable journeys ahead.”
“We can’t say a big enough thank you to Wales & West Housing for helping us to get our minibus”
Tracey Miles, Chief Executive Officer at STEER – The Enterprise Academy
“The bus is more than we could ever have imagined or afforded. It will improve access for many people to attend our various projects, including fully-funded outdoor fitness sessions, volunteer days, woodlands walks, beekeeping, creative arts and crafts session, at our centre.”
“All our participants are so pleased to have the opportunity to be able to attend the centre on a regular basis and attend other community events through the supported transport. It means we can reach and support more people.”
“The difference this will make to our organisation is unimaginable. Most of the people we work with are living with poor mental health and often public transport can be an issue for them. Having supportive travel will be wonderful to support and increase the wellbeing of our service users.”
