A community project with Stannah at it's heart!
A group of Andover adults with learning disabilities are celebrating the relocation of their work based activities into a brand new industrial unit, made possible by local company Stannah.
The official opening of the premises was marked with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Sir George Young. He was joined by representatives from Adsema, Hampshire County Council and Stannah on 28th May 2013 at 12 noon at Unit 5, Anton Business Park.
HCC Andover Day Services in East Portway supports adults with learning disabilities within the Andover community. As part of the Day Service activities the Service offered people an opportunity to have an experience of work under the banner of ADSEMA. ( Andover Day Service Electronic& Mechanical Assemblies)
Currently Hampshire County Council is transforming services for people with learning disabilities which has presented an ideal opportunity for ADSEMA to look at new ways of developing and modernising their service including a move into their own premises, away from the traditional large building based day.
Stannah are one of ADSEMA’s clients and have always valued the local partnership. On hearing of ADSEMA’s situation they proposed a new site that will help the ADSEMA team continue their good work.
ADSEMA’s move into the unit on Anton Mill Industrial Estate is part of a next step towards a community-based enterprise – with a little help (and sponsorship) from their friends at Stannah – and continued support from Hampshire County Council.
Gill Duncan, Director of Adult Services for Hampshire County Council said:
‘ADSEMA has been part of our activities since the early 1990s but changes to the way we offer services to people have required us to make sweeping changes. Over the years our service users at the day centre have carried out a range of light industrial work for several local companies on quite a casual basis. To move forward we want to set ourselves up as a more formal enterprise.
“With Stannah’s help we are now looking forward to a new beginning with exciting plans to extend our services to the community whilst retaining the work based activities. Stannah staff have completely fitted out the unit so it says a huge ‘welcome’ to a group of people who can find change difficult. We are delighted with the new facility and are very appreciative of the support and generosity of the Stannah Group.”
Steve Burberry from Adsema was delighted to welcome everyone to witness the fruition of everyone’s hard work and was delighted to hand over to two Adsema members to add their thanks to everyone involved.
Sir George Young praised the project saying it really is a shining example of what can be achieved if a community come together to support each other. He thanked Jon Stannah for his vision in enabling the project and releasing his staff to make the transformation possible.
Everyone enjoyed a tour of the unit and a celebration lunch together with a chance to chat to some of the Adsema service users who have adapted to their new home so well.
ADSEMA will exist to:
- Create real jobs for people with learning disabilities and others
- Offer practical training that will lead to other work roles
- Continue to provide meaningful work based activities to people who cannot progress beyond ADSEMA
- Extend their work to include desk top publishing, administration, reception work
- Continue to provide a safe, secure environment with support and opportunities
Gary Kinghorn and Lee Ness from Stannah have overseen the change of use at the unit and are delighted to see how well the group have settle in.
Gary comments:
“Working with ADSEMA has always been rewarding and we’re really looking forward to helping the group grow into their new home. The interior fit-out has been purpose-built to suit everyone’s needs, maximise productivity and, of course, to be safe and secure. We wish ADSEMA every success in their new venture.”