Will you help us?

Working with tiles

A plan and a project to meet a vital need

We are working to give people with learning disabilities and/or autism, who have untapped potential, the chance to transform their lives. Taking paid jobs in a craft workshop will empower them as productive members of the Big Society – no longer on benefits, with an enhanced quality of life and self-esteem.

A tale in the life of... The cost of each job people with these disabilities can get and hold is £10,000. Once they are in full-time work, experts estimate that the value to the local community will be £50,000 every year!

Our three-year target is to build up a craft workforce in and around Bedford, to include 50 people with learning disabilities and or autism – a total cost of £500,000. We are seeking to raise this sum.

Some progress has been made but we have a way to go.

	Spread the word One way you can help is by letting others know the story — people who could and will engage with us. Find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter. Like, share and retweet us?
	Help us to place people in jobs Please contact us if you are recruiting in the crafts sector, or in wholesaling, distribution, retailing, catering or horticulture?
	Outsource work to us Let us know if you want to place commissions with us – for example for mosaics of cherished pets, or corporate logos, or house names?
	Give Can you help with a donation – no matter how small? By credit/debit card through our Virgin Money Giving page. By cheque, bank transfer or standing order. Download form below. By electronic transfer: Barclays Bank plc, Bedford, Sort Code 20-05074, for credit to Bedford Mencap Acc. no. 50152331, Identification reference: Employment.

Tell us you are interested

We'll keep those who are interested and can help in one way or another, in touch with the work of our artists and artisans. As a benefactor, you will be able to buy the workshop's fine products at a discount! Register through the 'Contact us' button below, giving your details, including your email address.