A licence agreement has been signed today between theKenilworthCentre and ILEAP, a Stratford-based charity that works with disabled children, young people and adults with Additional Needs.
The licence covers the use by ILEAP of the ground floor room of the Centre during weekdays in school term times, and fills the gap caused when the previous licencee (WEAVE) vacated the premises at the end of October.
ILEAP have previously used the Centre extensively for a range of evening, weekend and school holiday activities, which will continue. They now plan to launch a new range of daytime activities for young adults, based on craft activities making gifts to take home and to sell at local markets and events.
John Whitehouse, chair of trustees at theKenilworthCentre, said: “We’re delighted to be able to extend our existing partnership with ILEAP in this way. The income from the new licence agreement will be make an important contribution to our financial recovery plan following the loss of Town Council core funding in March 2016. We also see future joint opportunities with ILEAP for partnership working, not only for our charity but also for some of our other user groups.”
Pete Bazeley, ILEAP manager, said: “We are really excited about this new initiative and partnership. We have been looking for a base in the heart of the local community for a while and theKenilworthCentre fits the bill perfectly.
“We hope to provide some of the most vulnerable members of society with worthwhile and purposeful activities that will build their confidence, raise their self-esteem and promote their independence.
“Our plan is to offer opportunities for disabled people to get creative and have fun with friends old and new in a safe and positive environment. Items we create at our new Marketability sessions will be used for fundraising purposes at local Markets,that will raise our profile and provide exciting, volunteering opportunities for our members.”
The ILEAP charity (charity no. 1089508) is based in Stratford, and operates across a number of communities in South Warwickshire. Website is www.ileap.co.uk, Facebook is www.facebook.com/ILEAPCHARITY, phone 01789 260644 or 07980 004381.