Community round-up: New IT equipment for user-led disability charity

Staff and volunteers at a Dudley-based charity for disabled people are set to benefit from the delivery of new IT equipment following a donation by Goold Estates.

Disability in Action provides tailored support programmes for adults in the borough with physical or sensory disabilities.

Part of the Queens Cross Network, the charity is run and managed by a dedicated and friendly group of volunteers – all with disabilities. It provides a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, cookery, gardening and indoor sports, with sessions adapted to meet individual needs and care requirements.

Goold Estates has made a donation to the charity which will help to fund the purchase of new computers for service users, as well as supporting activities such as themed days and events.

Graham Bell, charity manager at Goold Estates, was given a tour of the centre by Sam, a volunteer who communicates with the aid of a speech activation device.

Graham said: “We were introduced to the charity by a colleague, whose nephew has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and speaks highly of the services that are provided at the centre.

“I was impressed with the inclusive way it was run, with disabled people taking an active role in day-to-day operations. The charity even has a committee where people can stand for various positions and have their say in how the group is run.

“All of the staff showed great empathy and commitment in their roles, having worked there for many years, and we’re delighted to be able to support them.”

Albrighton Trust celebrates 30th anniversary     

An Albrighton-based charity which provides educational and recreational activities for disadvantaged people has celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Representatives from Goold Estates attended a day of entertainment at Albrighton Trust, Moat and Gardens, including a ukulele band and a fishing competition, with awards being presented to participants.

The charity has been the recipient of quarterly donations from Goold Estates during 2022, which is supporting its delivery of angling, gardening, woodcraft and creative sessions for local people.

Ongoing support for Black Country Foodbank

Goold Estates has continued its support for a Brierley Hill-based food bank that is helping vulnerable individuals and families in crisis.

Black Country Foodbank provides local people with vital supplies of food and toiletries, and its volunteers also signpost to other local partner projects to maximise the available support.

Quarterly donations from Goold Estates are being used to cover some of the food bank’s operational costs, including protective clothing for its volunteers.