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EnviroAbility puts the people we support at the centre of everything we do by developing projects that are based on their interests.

Social Care and Day Support in Ross-on-Wye

We find many Parents and Carers, in and around Ross-on-Wye, experience difficulties accessing the services they need. This video gives examples of the problems and frustrations some have had and how EnviroAbility has provided the support they need.

All the issues raised in this video came up at our annual 'Planning in Partnership' (Co-Production) meeting with Parents and Carers. The people involved asked us to raise their experiences and concerns with Heads of Services and other organisations to raise awareness of the issues that they feel are important.

Many thanks to the parents and carers featured in the video for giving us permission to share it, and who also gave freely of their time to highlight these important issues. This film was first shown at the 'Making it Real' event at the Kindle Centre on the 24th January 2024 and was seen by Heads of Service from Social Care and Health + a number of other care organisations, many of whom share these concerns.

Parent and Carer Video V2_1080p.m4v

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UPDATE

Since this video was shown at the mental health event at The Kindle Centre earlier this year, one of our service users, whose parent spoke out on the video about the lack of opportunities for people to move on within their home town, and who had previously been told for two years that the only options for her was to move to Hereford, (leaving their family and support networks behind) now has been found, and moved into, a ground floor flat in Hildersley, Ross-on-Wye. A flat that had previously been standing empty for six years!

We are pleased that the views shared in the video have been taken on board by those in positions of power and influence, but EnviroAbility also believe that it is important that relevant data is shared between departments and services so that people are not necessarily disadvantaged due to poor information sharing.

EnviroAbility as part of HAT (Herefordshire Activities Together) are working with Commissioners and Heads of Services to ensure that situations like this one do not happen again.

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"We don’t come up with the projects and make people fit into them. We get the people and make the projects work for them.”

Antony Lowther - Chairman EnviroAbility

We work collaboratively to ensure our high quality services are creative, innovative and sustainable. Providing activities that are valued by the community and offer the people accessing our services an opportunity to influence the direction of the projects.

Our specialist teams use their skills and expertise to empower people to achieve the positive changes they want to make in their lives. This includes people with Learning Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, and those with very complex needs, including people with challenging behaviour and people affected by mental health or social isolation.

We are passionate about what we do, in EnviroAbility. We use our unique understanding of the challenges facing the people we support to empower them to achieve positive change, and provide opportunities for them to be valued for their contributions.

We welcome members of our community who wish to volunteer their skills and experience, regardless of their age or abilities.

“We link and enable people and groups, helping them to realise that most things are achievable, and try to infect people with the enthusiasm to become involved.”

The Can-Do-Crew

Take-A-Pew

EnviroAbility welcomes referrals from Social Work teams within the local authority, Parents, Carers, Schools, Colleges and other organisations.

The Old Mill

Meet The Team

Paula Evans

General Manager

Hello, my name is Paula and I joined EnviroAbility in 2010 as an Apprentice, and over the space of 4 years I completed my NVQ Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 in Business and Administration.

After lacking confidence all throughout my school years, I finally fitted in, I felt valued and therefore my confidence excelled. I gained extensive knowledge and experience through my on the job training, and the trustees promoted me to the position of Assistant Manager.

In 2016 the former General Manager retired, and the trustees looked at me to step up as Manager, so I did! I can say, with the biggest smile, that I have never looked back. I find it extremely rewarding seeing other people grow and benefit from their involvement, just as I had. Furthermore, I enjoy seeing the difference EnviroAbility’s opportunities and services make to people’s lives.

I grew up in Ross but in 2015 I moved to Lydney in the Forest of Dean with my partner where we bought our first house. In my spare time, I particularly enjoy exploring the Cornish coast.

Chris Smith

Service Development Officer

Hi! I’m Chris, and I’ve worked in the learning disability field for over 30 years. I began in residential care, before moving to The Ryefield Centre in Ross as a Day Centre Officer from 1993 to 2005. I then managed several services for Herefordshire Council, including St. Owens Centre in Hereford from 2007-2014. During this time I (and my team) remodelled the day service and within 18 months St Owens had the highest referral rate in the county.

I am an activist for the GRT (Gypsy, Roma and Traveller) community, and work with West Midlands Police, and Worcester University on Awareness Training for the police and social workers.

I also enjoy my role as a singer/songwriter with my band, ‘The Brickshed’. We have released 5 albums, and I have recently submitted my first novel to a publisher, (fingers crossed) that it might actually get published! I get my daily exercise walking ‘Mr Pickle’ my three-year-old Jack Russell.

Daniel Lister

Assistant Manager

Hey! My name is Daniel, and I began working with EnviroAbility in 2020 after being made redundant from a job that I had enjoyed, in the outdoor pursuits industry, for 16 years. I applied for a number of different jobs, but was not having much luck at the time, I think because, I was the Deputy Mayor, and soon to be, Mayor of Ross-on-Wye. Many employers seemed to find having this role inconsistent with holding down a full time job.

When I saw a Care Support Workers role with EnviroAbility being advertised, I applied thinking this would be a temporary solution to my job situation. I worked mainly in the ‘Spread Our Wings’ project and quickly fell in love with EnviroAbility’s ethos, and the way their projects supported the community. A short time later I successfully applied for the Assistant Managers role when it became vacant, a role that allows me to use, and build upon my skills. EnviroAbility is a great, and uplifting place to work, it really benefits the community.

In my spare time I host a show for Hospital Radio in Hereford and also enjoy Obstacle Course Running. Keep Smiling!

David Andrews

Retail Assistant

Hi, I’m David, and I’ve been involved with EnviroAbility for 14 years, and I’ve loved every minute of it. In 2008, I was nominated for the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Award for my role at EnviroAbility, and I was over the moon when I won!

I work mainly in ‘The Old Mill’ our retail outlet in Brookend Street in Ross-on-Wye, which is probably the most popular ‘Charity Shop’ in the town. We have a wealth of items for sale over two floors. I also help out with the Recycling aspect of our service, including doing some computer work that I really enjoy.

In my spare time I like playing football and Bowls, and also enjoy Taekwondo.

Victoria Stuart

Day Opportunities Officer

Hello! My name is Vicky, and I began my employment with EnviroAbility in 2015 as a Business Admin Apprentice. I was incredibly proud to be in the top 3 of the ‘Community Champions Apprentice of the Year Awards’ 2016.

In 2017, I took time out to care for my newborn son. When he was old enough to attend pre-school, I asked EnviroAbility if there was a possibility that I could return, and they offered me a position as a Care Support Worker.

EnviroAbility has given me a great work ethic, and I enjoy having a rewarding role and being part of a team that makes a positive difference to peoples lives. In my spare time, I enjoy socialising and meeting new people.

Stacey Donachie

Day Opportunities Officer

Hi, My name is Stacey Donachie and I’m a Day Opportunities officer at EnviroAbility.

I am Scots and have a partner, Martin, who I met when I lived in Scotland and worked as a chef in a hotel. I have a catering degree and I’ve worked in a number of different catering facilities. I moved to Ross 17 years ago to be with Martin and together we have twin 14 year old boys. I worked for PGL for two and a half years, and I’m looking forward to a new challenge with EnviroAbility. I love socialising and my happy place is being at the beach.

Our Promise to you

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For people who use our services, we will:

Ensure that the service you receive from us will be professional, timely, and offer value for money.
Provide you with, ‘The right service, at the right time, at the right venue, with the right staff to support you’.
Offer you a service review at least once every six months, or more often if it is required.
Champion your right to live a life that has value and dignity, in a manner of your choice.
Ensure a safe, yet stimulating environment, in which you can identify/share your skills, and progress at a level that is comfortable for you.
Respect the choices you make, and work with you and your family/carers, at a participation level that is right for you and them.
Provide roles that are valued by you and your community.
Ensure that you can trust us to keep your personal information private and confidential.
Work to increase your confidence and competency.
We will focus on your abilities, rather than your disabilities, in a creative and enjoyable way.

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