DISABILITY charity Accuro are celebrating the graduation of members at ‘STRIDE’ in Harlow this month. ‘STRIDE’ is a 6-month life skills programme for young adults with a disability aged 19-25. The first programme began in Harlow in September and the charity are pleased to be bringing STRIDE to Uttlesford in April 2022. 

The Harlow STRIDE group spent a fantastic afternoon together on Saturday 19th March celebrating their time together at STRIDE and all that the graduates have achieved. During the six month programme, members took part in workshops including domestic skills, employment, money management, health and fitness, transport and travel and more. 

A parent of one STRIDE member commented that her daughter had “previously been reluctant to try new things, but felt safe to do so at STRIDE. She is much more confident and independent” following the programme and that she was now “texting and calling people on the phone, which she had never done before.”

Members spoke to the Accuro team about their experience at STRIDE, with one member commenting that the programme was “the best memory I’ve ever had”.

Support worker at STRIDE Maria said, “There aren’t many provisions for young adults with a disability in the area, in particular for the 19-25 age group. Nor are there many groups that focus on life skills, which many of this age group still struggle with. It was a pleasure to be a part of the first STRIDE programme and it was such a successful project. As well as learning life skills in a fun and relaxed way, some great friendships were born and nurtured. The members of STRIDE all accepted and encouraged each other. It was heart-warming to watch our young people grow in confidence from session to session.”

In addition to the programme, some members at STRIDE took a trip to Center Parcs with the charity in March. Support worker at Accuro Meghan commented, “it was fantastic to see members putting the skills they’ve learned at STRIDE into practice.”

The STRIDE programme was made possible through funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, The Shanly Foundation, The Essex Community Foundation and Thomas Wall Trust. The second 6-month programme will launch in Uttlesford in April 2022.

To find out more about Accuro and their services, please visit: www.accuro.org.uk