Tikva currently caters to the needs of young people and adults aged 18+ in the community affected by physical, emotional and learning disabilities. We are now preparing to include a new tranche of younger people reaching the age of 18, who are in the process of transition from youth to adult services. This transition will affect their use of statutory provision as well as local voluntary services.
'I Also Matter' Activities for Adults with severe disabilities
Tikva fills those long empty out of school hours when the adults with severe learning, emotional and other disabilities have nothing to do and nowhere to do it. We provide quality tailor-made activities designed to foster growth and improve their quality of life. Whilst they are gainfully and happily occupied, their parent-carers and families are able to breathe freely and unwind, or spend this precious time just ‘being’ like regular parents and families.
• Weekend club sessions which users look forward to all week. Parents can relax on Saturdays knowing that soon a Tikva support worker will show up at their door to take their loved one to a fulfilling club session which is not just a ‘babysitting’ service. Our clubs are specially designed to develop latent potential, enhance social and practical skills and as far as possible encourage independent living.
• Day-trips during off-school days a lifeline for parent-carers who work or need a break. Destinations and plans are tailor-made according to the preferences, abilities and disabilities of each participant, to the extent that at any given time a particular user will have his own individual itinerary mapped out for him rather than join the group, if this is what is needed at that point.
Users learn new skills such as bowling and kiting and broaden their horizons by visiting farms, zoos and interactive theme parks. Their achievements, accomplishments and newfound successes give them the confidence to reach yet higher goals.
• Bi-annual rural breaks at Camp Tikva with the trademark Tikva atmosphere are the highlights of the year for both participants and parents.
Surrounded by nature, in the beautiful English countryside and under the guidance of our highly experienced and devoted care workers and volunteers, participants thrive in a way that is just not possible in their usual inner-city environs.
During the year participants often find themselves tagging along miserably with their siblings or other ‘kind’ people who “babysit” them and make sure that they stay out of harm’s way. However at Camp Tikva there is a full programme of stimulating trips and activities specially geared to their own individual abilities, disabilities, needs and preferences. Add to this unique experience the delicious, fully catered meals, and it is no wonder that the bi-annual Camp Tikva breaks are a dream come true for every participant.
Once again, the focus is on enhancing their independent living, social and practical skills in a warm and nurturing environment. Against this background users reach key milestones and maximise their latent potential. Indoor activities include bowling, pottery, music making and the opportunity to create their own individual works of art. This gives them a rare and wonderful sense of achievement.
The results are startling; their self-esteem is improved, strong friendships are formed, and their horizons become broadened. Their usual frowning, world weary expressions transform into beaming smiles, and they return home relaxed and refreshed, eagerly awaiting the next Camp Tikva!
