TAS Hambleton's Community Grant supports Northdale a charity based in North Yorkshire

The Arts Society Hambleton have used their Community Grant to support Northdale a charity based in North Yorkshire founded in 1988 to provide support training and meaningful work-based activities for adults with learning and physical disabilities.

Northdale were approached by a member of staff from Myton Park a local primary school at Ingleby Barwick to upcycle donated furniture in an artistic way for the reception class which caters for children with a wide range of complex needs including ASD and communication problems. Because of their complex needs the children need the furniture to cheerful but at the same time calming for the pupils which is why the trainees at Northdale chose a palette of muted greens, yellow/mustard and a pastel pink/red.

As part of the project the trainees as Northdale will learn about working together as a team and the importance of each step of the process and how it comes together as a whole for a useful but beautiful piece of furniture. It teaches them about the importance of reusing and not just always expecting new. The trainees will be learning different skills in the restoration of furniture from initial preparation, learning about different stages of painting and then the importance of the aesthetics in the decoration of the furniture. It is likely to involve some learning opportunity in small seat upholstery.

The grant from The Arts Society Hambleton has provided primer and specialist paints and other materials including specially adapted pads that make it easier for trainees with physical disabilities to prepare the furniture for painting.

The trainees are excited about being asked to restore the furniture for a school and already are feeling a great sense of purpose and pride in helping children in the local area. They will be able to take great pride in their achievement of providing for the school as well are supporting the curiosity approach the school are using to help the children with ASD and communication problems.

This super project that not only benefits the trainees at Northdale but also the pupils at Myton Park Primary School.