"Numerous possibilities; enhancing life’s chances; discovering new worlds, friendships and discovering your self; new horizons new frontiers; realisation and release"

The Escapade program targets children and young adults (Escapade Kidz for 7-12 year olds and Escapade for 12-25 year olds) with a disability from ME communities, who have undeveloped communication skills, reduced motor skills and extreme lack of confidence. A person-centred assessment of needs is carried out to draw up an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with targets being set and monitored frequently. Their developmental needs and exercises such as team building, increasing confidence and communication are incorporated into a programme of regular social, recreational, leisure and educational activities.

We have established good practices through developing the assessment of needs process for our service users, which allow us to understand their common problems and issues. We have also developed good practice through our advocacy, information and advice service. We have developed excellent relations with external agencies in order to work collectively to cater for the needs of the service user. Working together with other agencies has enabled us to share ideas and resources, refer service users onto one another, avoid replication, utilise each others expertise and where possible partnering to develop projects to take forward our common goals.

Activities range from bowling to arts and crafts to visits to the museums and parks. We ensure that our service users travel to and from the activity safely, all activities are in a safe environment and all volunteers are given the relevant training.

We have also formed partnerships with local organisations to provide joint activities for both sets of service users to promote integration, inclusion and a sense of belonging.

Case Study

Sophie (25) has a learning difficulty and before joining Escapade, used to spend most of her time at home, either in bed or in front of the television. She does not go to college or have a job and she does not have many friends to socialise with. Her parents did not encourage her to go out and take part in activities or socialise as they were worried about the affect the extent of her disability would have on her in doing so. Now she goes out twice a week and takes part in a range of activities, some of which she has not done before, has made new friends, learnt new skills and is slowly building her confidence.

“I have so much fun, the time flies by, and I can’t wait until the next activity”
“I’ve never had so much fun before in my life”
“I don’t get bored like I used to before. I am too busy having fun and making new friends”

For more information contact:

Asia Ali
T:0141 334 2277
E: asia.ali@ethnicenable.org.uk