Tasha and Crest Prove to be a Perfect Match for Over 15 Years
Local charity Crest have provided supported work placements for adults with learning and physical disabilities through for over 20 years, with Tasha being a fundamental member after recently celebrating 15 years at the organisation.
Tasha Lea, 34, lives in Llandudno Junction with her family but spends five days a week at the charity where she is supported by a team of trained and qualified support workers in a funded placement. Tailored activities are arranged for each individual based on their ability to help each person grow in confidence and develop their independent living skills.
“I love looking after the garden at Crest”, Tasha explains. “We look after the plants and watch them grow.”
Tasks such as growing fruit and vegetables, participating and recording their voice and songs in Crests’ radio studio, arts and crafts, sorting and grading donated clothes for our community shops, and singing on the karaoke machine, are just some of the tasks available at Crest.
“I sort out the clothes that come in bags. I do lots of washing and drying of the clothes and check to see if they’re in good condition.”
Julie, Tasha’s mother, described Tasha’s 15 year journey as a great boost to her self-confidence.
“Since being at Crest she talks far more now than she used to, and the way she uses language has improved a lot”, Julie clarifies.
Life was difficult for Tasha during the pandemic, with routine in disarray and adjustments having to be made.
“My best friends are Rachel, Christine, Frances and Gemma”, Tasha declares. “I’ve missed them a lot during lockdown. I don’t like the virus, it annoys me!”
Crest invested a lot of time and resources to ensure the safe return for our staff and beneficiaries in October, after a long period of shielding. Tasha managed to keep herself busy during lockdown,
“I spent a lot of time using my Kindle, listening to ABBA, watching YouTube videos and Christmas films!” Tasha proclaims.
As lockdown slowly comes to an ease, interaction with people of all walks of life is definitely on the cards for Tasha.
Julie explains, “Tasha knows so many people now through Crest – we’ll walk down the street and people will say ‘Hiya’ to her and I question, ‘who’s that?’, and it’s people who have visited Crest and met Tasha there. Her personality has come out a lot more over the years!”
15 years is a long time but it doesn’t look like Tasha’s time is ending at Crest any time soon.
“She just enjoys it.”, Julie says. “Tasha loves socialising and mixing with other people. A lot of people have come and gone in the last 15 years but she has always enjoyed being at Crest.”
To learn more about Crest’s supported placements, please call Tommy Lyness on 01492 596783 or email [email protected].