Offers educational and social activities to young people and adults with a learning disability (LD).
Founded in 1994 and awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2009, ECL is a Registered Charity and Limited Company (having no share capital) supporting Elmbridge young people and adults with a learning disability. We offer opportunities for our 100+ beneficiaries to broaden their horizons. Our activities teach new skills and improve existing abilities. Participants gain self-esteem, improve their health and social integration.
Why the community needs usThrough attending ECL's projects the beneficiaries - who have varying degrees of LD - have a greater sense of self-worth and inclusion. ECL offers much needed and appreciated respite to carers and family members. The Charity is pro-active in recruiting empathetic volunteers to help in its work. There is a strong bond with local Sixth Forms who recommend student volunteers thereby raising awareness of the problems experienced by people with a LD amongst the younger generation.
Our impact on the communityOur beneficiaries are actively involved in all project planning. Because of the improved self confidence some of the members are ready to look outside the Organisation to take up volunteering roles in the wider community. The experienced staff and volunteers create a safe and trusted environment thus enabling the membership to reach their individual potential in many areas.The volunteers joining the Charity have become loyal members of the strong team
We have fun volunteering opportunities for people of all ages across every ECL project. We are particularly interested in hearing from local sixth form students who are hoping to follow a career in the caring professions.