Starbucks New Look

SEQOL Charity has achieved a lot in it's first year. We have been successful in accomplishing our plan of providing support to two projects whilst spending some time developing the charity so we can increase the number of people we help. This has been a significant achievement, despite facing challenges of securing funds during ongoing economic pressures. For this we owe a tremendous vote of thanks to our supporters: the employees of SEQOL, donations from local and national companies and the people in our community. Our programme of work has enabled SEQOL Charity to support the Swindon Mens Shed scheme which began in 2012. The initiative enables stroke sufferers to join forces to re-learn skills or acquire new ones to create a social hub for people who have undergone similar traumas. Members meet regularly to socialise and get involved in a number of 'DIY' activities, each contributing their various abilities and skills. Working as a team, Men's Sheds produce a variety of products that are then donated to other charities in Swindon. Fundraising began this year to help buy the team more equipment and raw materials; these are essential to keep Men's Sheds running and alive. SEQOL Charity also run a work programme that provides support to OK4U, a day centre run for people with learning and physical disabilities. The charity has helped transform the considerable grounds there by offering gardening and other activities, involving the services users of OK4U. It has really helped build a sense of community by including people of all abilities and backgrounds. We are also fundraising for Whitbourne House, a residential home in Swindon. Whitbourne House helps and supports older people and people with dementia and have hosted a variety of events and day trips for the service users that has significantly benefited the well-being of the residents. At the moment, the carers of Whitbourne House are struggling to run and coordinate these day trips due to lack of specialist equipment & wheelchairs - so this is something that would be extremely beneficial if we were supported by Starbucks. We are also looking at supporting a upcoming project for the treatment of aphasia. SEQOL Charity are currently trying to secure funding so that we can provide specialist equipment to help people treat themselves at home. This will involve them practising with the aim to restore some ability to communicate and help develop alternative ways of communicating. Our first year has also been one of reflection and opportunity. Because our membership is small, we have recognised we cannot be the experts in all areas, but what we can do is work with others to identify and secure resources using our knowledge of the needs and networks within the Swindon Community. We believe we are unique in the level of support and assistance we are able to provide, enabling us to expand and help a huge variety of people alongside the lives we are helping now.