ASL has become a victim of its own success!

In the relatively short space of time that ASL has been established, Michelle and her wonderful team can be very proud of what they have achieved. From beginning as a day centre for two young adults with additional needs, based in a cricket pavilion, two to three days a week, then subsequently relocating to larger premises in a church hall, ASL has grown to a size whereby it currently provides day care places to eighteen young adults with additional needs, together with launching Tea Room, which is a restaurant / cafe run by staff in conjunction with some of the young adults, that has already gained a strong reputation for serving fairly priced and delicious home-made cakes, scones and lunches in an atmosphere that customers find both fun and uplifting.

ASL will always be very grateful to those who are responsible at the church premises for having given it the opportunity to turn Michelle’s vision into reality. It is now time, however, to take her vision even further forward. In order to do so, ASL needs to move into larger, dedicated premises.

Michelle’s aspiration is for ASL to have sufficient space to be able to offer larger day care facilities, which will enable more young adults with additional needs in the Harlow locality to be helped, together with an expanded kitchen and Tea Room, plus a café serving takeaway food and beverages, and also a sensory area.

Michelle and her team would love to relocate as soon as possible. A potential building has been identified which it is thought could be ideal, but an open mind is currently being kept until it is known if this property can be acquired. In an ideal world, premises will be acquired and ready to operate from within the next six months.

It is envisaged that whatever premises are acquired, they will need fitting out to some extent in order to be able to provide the right supportive environment needed to be able to deliver all of the services detailed above. The actual cost of such fit- out work will, of course, be dependent on the actual premises acquired, but it is estimated that a sum of £30,000 should meet a significant part of any costs to be incurred.

This is where your help and generosity are requested. It has been demonstrated that the work performed by ASL makes a real difference to the quality of life enjoyed by the young adults who attend and participate in the activities provided. Individuals have blossomed and acquired self-esteem and a sense of self-worth, and feel valued in the community in which they live. The best advert for the work of ASL is the actual people that it helps. Families and friends testify to the positive impact on the lives of those who participate in the activities that ASL provides.

Michelle and her team have a driving desire and commitment to make a positive impact on the lives of even more young adults with additional needs. With your kind support they will be able to do this.

Thank you.