Charities for T.H.E. 2011

The Exodus Project

The Exodus Project runs activity clubs in Barnsley, specifically targeting disadvantaged communities. It currently runs clubs for children aged 8-11, and separate clubs for older youths aged 11-15. The charity aims to build trusting and lasting relationships with the young people who attend to divert them from destructive lifestyles and help them realise their true potential. All those attending, as well as having great fun, learn the importance of respecting others and working as a team. The Exodus Project’s visiting teams see the children weekly at their homes, to build relationships and liaise with parents and carers. It also offers day trips and activity week-ends for the young people, to give them a break from the pressures of home and school.

Autism Plus

Autism Plus is a local South Yorkshire charity that provides support for people with autistic spectrum disorders, learning disabilities and mental health difficulties. Many of their service users require a lot of support with their day-to-day activities for example getting on a bus, personal hygiene or cooking a simple meal. Autism Plus teaches them independent living skills, helps them into employment or into volunteering opportunities and to achieve their dreams and aspirations e.g. going to college or going on holiday with friends for the first time. Its services include residential and supported living, domiciliary care, respite, day service provision, adult learning opportunities, and community outreach. They also provide extra activities and facilities for their service users, including the drama group which they currently require funding for.

Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre (South Yorkshire)

The Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre is a small, local charity that was established in 1985 to provide a range of non-intrusive, drug-free, symptom management and complementary therapies for people suffering with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions. Such therapies include physiotherapy, osteopathy, various massages, aromatherapy, a foot health practitioner and a specialised counsellor. They are the only centre in a thirty mile radius that offers High Dosage Oxygen Therapy. The centre also runs ‘Newly Diagnosed with MS’ courses which offer support from the very start, helping overcome the feeling of isolation many feel after diagnosis and allowing them easy access to the help that is available at the centre. Alongside this, the charity provides a strong, support network for everyone affected by MS, including families and carers.