A Frodsham scheme which helps people with disabilities to regain confidence and a sense of purpose opened the doors of its workshop for an open morning last month.
The Will to Work Workshop is based in the old high school in Frodsham and offers PC skills training, daily wood and metal workshops, pottery lessons on Wednesday afternoons and watercolour painting lessons on Friday afternoons.
Workshop chair Angus Weir said: “The workshop provides facilities for those no longer able to work because of illness or disability.
“It helps local people regain skills and confidence which are often lost following serious illness or disability, with the ultimate aim of helping people back into the workplace.
“Even when return to work is not possible in the short term, we can provide useful rehabilitation therapy and social interaction with other people in a similar position.”
The workshop was founded by Frodsham resident Geoff Prince, who was forced to give up his work as a builder following a serious illness.
Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans, former MP Mike Hall and Cllr Lynn Riley were amongst the visitors to the workshop’s open morning.
Mr Evans said: "Will to Work is a fantastic scheme which allows people with a range of different physical and mental disabilities can learn new creative skills and develop social networks in a nurturing environment.
“I was staggered by the huge range of talent here in Weaver Vale, and also by the importance that this project has for so many people. I know from my conversations at the open day that is as rewarding for the wonderful volunteers as it is for the participants.”
Angus added that the morning was rounded off by accepting a ‘very generous’ donation from the Helsby and Frodsham Probus Group.
The workshop is open on weekdays from noon until about 3pm and new members are welcome. For more information, call Geoff on 01928 734177.
