Living Naturally for our future
Our vision is to run Living Naturally sessions for people living with learning disabilities to gain the skills of living naturally, including planting, growing and harvesting their own produce to create healthy meals, as pictured here!
They will learn about working with and supporting our wildlife; and promoting healthy eating and wellbeing by making positive life-choices boosting their own wellbeing and protecting our wildlife and our planet.
Your funds will be used to run the project for one year with a Living Naturally Project Lead, supported by a Learning Assistant and volunteers, delivering six sessions per week with eight to ten learners in each session; that's 300 sessions a year and 2,400 learning experiences for people with learning disabilities.
Reaching beyond our £15,000 target
Reaching beyond our £15,000 target would mean we could invest in increasing garden accessibility and use. Local construction company volunteers are ready to offer their services. Our plans include replacing our broken decking area, with a new paved surface. We will a tensile shade cover for sun protection. We will also improve access and safety along the pond edge with a new surface and fence. These improvements are shown in the plan below.
Solar panels
We need an additional 60 solar roof-top panels to boost our energy. We have 186 panels working hard for us and bring our bills down but we can go further. Extra Crowdfunding income will help us reach this goal.
About MK SNAP (Special Needs Advancement Project)
MK SNAP is a passionate and dynamic charity transforming the lives of people with learning disabilities through our skill-building, education and work training opportunities, giving them the skills to realise their potential.
We have been shortlisted for Charity of the Year, and Skills and Learning provider of the Year, in the MK Business Achievement Awards to be announced in March 2025.
Realising potential
Our services include a diverse programme of person-centered skills and learning. All our services are aimed at empowering those with learning difficulties to reach their potential. Our ultimate goal is to equip them with the skills and confidence they need to lead as independent and fulfilling lives as possible.
The SNAP Community Cafe give our learners learners real-work experience and skills including catering, Barista coffee qualifications, customer service, food hygiene, confidence and self-esteem.
The concept of independence varies from person to person, and at MK SNAP, we understand and embrace this diversity. For some, independence may mean having the confidence and skills to perform everyday tasks we often take for granted, such as cooking, shopping, or traveling.
Work-placements
For others, it may entail the transition to supported living, for some of our learners it means securing employment, whether paid or voluntary. Our success stories reflect the breadth of these definitions. We've witnessed individuals step onto the stage at MK Theatre, showcase and sell their artwork online, and excel in various roles within administration, warehouses, cafes, and superstores in the community.
We are firm believers that more opportunities lead to the discovery of one's niche and the flourishing of skills, self-esteem, and confidence. Today, we offer an inspiring and holistic weekly programme comprising of 52 sessions, each designed to unlock the unique talents of people with learning disabilities, enabling them to harness their full potential.
Future Opportunities
MK SNAP stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for adults with learning difficulties in our city. Our dedication to their well-being, inclusivity, and the broader well-being of our society is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the rights of people with learning disabilities to live a rich and fulfilling life, contributing to our community.