1 week Ago By [email protected] (Lauren Davidson)
Service users of an incredible charity in Grimsby that aims to take the "dis" out of "disability" have credited the organisation for helping them learn crucial skills, keep active and meet friends for life. Since 1999, Foresight has provided a huge range of services for people with disabilities and learning difficulties, including an adults' day centre, a children's scheme every half term, social and sporting events, housing, meals on wheels and even the popular Foresight Choir. The charity - which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year - offers a range of fun activities at the centre every day of the week - from football, archery and netball to karaoke, dance and drama classes.
Beneficiaries also regularly go on days out and are treated to parties and events throughout the year. Jay Smith, 33, has been an active service user of Foresight since moving to the area from Norfolk several years ago. He attends the centre every day from Monday to Friday.
"When I first came to Grimsby I didn't know anyone - if I hadn't have come here I'd still be feeling bored and lonely. When I come here it encourages me to learn things and keep my mind active. When you leave school, things you learn there, you forget, but when you come to Foresight you learn English and maths whilst meeting other people.
Jay Smith at Foresight, Grimsby (Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive) "I really enjoy it. When I first started here, I had a problem with my speech ability and had a stutter, but I've had help with that, as well as my reading and writing. "I still struggle to talk to people but Foresight has helped me so much.
I usually come five days a week - sometimes I do full days and sometimes half days - but it all depends on what lessons are on and what interests me." Maleeha Zaman, 20, has been using the services at Foresight since September last year. "I've made some really good friends.
I do cooking, money management and multi-sports. It's really helped me with my social skills. Since coming to Foresight I've met a lot more people and I feel happier and better in myself.
" Maleeha Zaman (Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive) Jack Ratten, 26, first joined Foresight as part of the children's scheme and visits the centre five days a week. He said: "I was on the children's scheme for a while and joined the adults' centre when I was in my late teens. "At school I didn't really have many friends and this place has helped me to make friends.
It gives me somewhere to go during the week, so I'm not getting bored at home. I can come and do activities and make friends and meet new people. I love football and swimming - those are my two favourite activities.
Maleeha, Jay and Jack at Foresight in Grimsby (Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive) "Anyone wanting to join should come along, have a tour and have a look in some of the classes and stay for a bit and see what we have to offer. You'll go away feeling happy and thinking, 'I want to come back.'" For more information on how people with a disability or learning difficulty can become a service user of Foresight, you can contact the charity through the form on their website here .
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