Peter Richards has recently celebrated 5 years at Crest, a Llandudno Junction based charity that support adults with learning and physical disabilities find work experience.
The Supported Ability Placement scheme has been going for over 20 years and aims to provide vulnerable adults with life enhancing work opportunities.
“I love my job”, exclaimed Peter, 31 from Colwyn Bay, who spends 2 days a week on placement at the charity. Peter and the rest of the SAP members are supported by a team of trained and qualified support workers in a funded placement.
All activities are tailored for each person on placement, based on their abilities. This gives each individual the opportunity to grow in confidence and develop their independent living skills. “On my first day I worked in the café, helping customers on the till. I’ve also worked in the garden and in the Crest store. Now I love going on Crest Radio”.
Activities such as growing fruit and vegetables, recording and introducing songs on their own radio show at Crests’ radio studio, creating pieces of art with crafts, sorting, and grading donated clothes for Crest’s community stores, and singing on karaoke, are just some of the tasks available at the charity.
“On Crest Radio, I got to play my favourite songs”, Peter explains excitedly. “My favourite singer is James Arthur. My favourite songs are “Impossible”, “Say You Won’t Let Go”, “Naked” and “Empty Space. He’s a nice guy!”, Peter continues.
Nia, Peter’s mother, described Peter’s time at Crest simply as a “joy”. “The staff at Crest are brilliant with Peter. Since being on the SAP scheme Peter has become more sociable and his confidence has improved”.
“I like my job”, Peter continues. I like everything. I enjoy helping (support workers) Lowri and Angela. I like working hard and we all help each other. I’m saving up towards paying for a church wedding with my girlfriend, Cathy. I love her. I want to invite all my friends at Crest to the wedding. I want to be the best husband.”
Crest continue to provide a safe environment for the SAP team, including creating risk assessments for each member, providing DBS checks for all staff and volunteers and ensuring that all activities are COVID safe.
“The SAP members are making good progress this year with new projects started in the Polytunnel, radio station and workshops”, explained Tommy Lyness, Supported Ability Placement Manager at Crest. “Recently the team have been, growing their own vegetables with massive success and handing out healthy bags of veg to members of staff and their families.”
“Peter loves everybody at Crest, it’s been wonderful. It’s simply a joy, taking him to Crest and picking him up every day, with a smile on his face.”
To learn more about Crest’s supported placements, please call Tommy Lyness on 01492 596783 or email [email protected].