THE new Gateway Active award scheme is helping to fill the gap left by austerity cuts to services for learning disabled adults.
Challenges including cookery, horse riding, and even fun on a zip wire for one wheelchair-bound client are all part of the project in Stroud.
A total of 15 men and women are now nearing the end of their year of Gateway Active bronze award activities, said project leader Charlotte Jones.
It is funded by £18,000 from the People's Health Lottery.
"It is all about giving people opportunities to get out there and try new activities, meet new people and give them confidence," said Charlotte.
"The project was specifically designed to reach individuals with a learning disability who may be isolated."
Gateway Active bronze has five sections – hobbies, fitness, lifestyle, volunteering and the Gateway challenge.
Charlotte said: "For each, the participants were asked to research and join in a new activity. The personal challenge was an activity weekend or a trip to a place they'd always wanted to go."
Residents of the Stroud and District Homes Foundation and other supporting living took part. A further year's funding has now been secured, enabling bronze award winners to move up to silver level and a further 20 or more adults with learning disabilities to take part in the next bronze scheme.
