About the Project

The South Cambridgeshire OWL day service supports 33 adults who all have mild to complex learning disabilities, some with the addition of a physical and / or mental health need. 

South Cambridgeshire OWL provides a wide variety of person-centred activities which are focused on ensuring customers have a great experience, feeling fully supported to pursue their personal goals alongside making a positive contribution to their community. 

Activities delivered within the local community play an invaluable role in assisting customers to feel more engaged and confident in their communities, leading to them feeling far more independent.  However, transport is a so often a fundamental barrier that at times we are unable to overcome.   We know from The Work Health Organisation that transport is one of the seven most important common barriers that make it difficult or impossible for a person with disabilities to function.

Providing a fully accessible mini bus for the 33 customers at South Cambridgeshire OWL will make a considerable difference to the community opportunities we are able to offer our customers.  It will mean that we can transport up to 14 customers at any one time, including 4 wheelchair users.  Opportunities that we will be able to access might include; physical activity sessions at their local gym, swimming, visiting the cinema, visiting places of interest, and shopping at local supermarkets.
 

The Difference

The South Cambridgeshire OWL Mini Bus will remove the barriers that transport can so often have for disabled people.  It will make a big difference to customers, including:

• Improved and maintained independence
• Improved engagement with the local community
• Improved opportunities to socialise
• Improved access to a wide variety of enriching activities
• Improved confidence
• Improved self esteem
• Improved health and wellbeing