Little Gate Supported Employment, the charity in Beckley, Rye that supports children and young people with learning difficulties and / or autism into paid work are currently fundraising to finance a new accessible minibus.
The minibuses are an essential part of enabling most of their trainees and Young Rangers to access the training centre at Little Gate Farm. All three current minibuses are not accessible and are of an age where they are needing constant maintenance. Having a minibus that is also wheelchair accessible, will give more young people the opportunity to be supported by Little Gate in realising their full potential.
Over the past twelve months there have been several fundraising activities and events that have contributed towards getting closer to their target of £60,000, required to purchase the much-needed bus.
An opera organised by Soundwaves Community Choir last year raised £2,354.00 and Little Gate’s 10th Anniversary Fundraising Celebration in October contributed a fabulous £10,948.44 towards the target.
Recently The Hastings Beer Project, ( a community interest company, which brews beer for local charity and community projects) hosted a Quiz Night at The Ypres Castle Inn and raised £345.00.
Ed Nash from Hastings Beer Project said of Little Gate: “Little Gate Farm is one of those rare, special places. With a team of passionate, professional staff the support that they provide is not only forward thinking but highly successful. Little Gate Farm go above and beyond to help people with learning disabilities and autism into paid work. Their results speak for themselves, and it is always such a joy to see someone they have supported working in our local community. The pub quiz at the Ypres Castle Inn in Rye was a huge success and raised important funds for the Little Gate accessible minibus. We can’t wait for the next one!”
Landlord of the Ypres Castle inn Jeff Bell said: “The Hastings Project Quiz night was a tremendous success, and riotously good fun: dozens of our regulars in a pub packed to the rafters. All the ingredients were there: great beers and quiz mastering from Ed and Robbie of Hastings Project, a real sense of community among our local regulars, and a wonderful organisation to support. Little Gate Farm make a real difference to so many lives in East Sussex, and it was great to meet the team, introduce them to everyone present, and raise funds to help them in their work. We’ll definitely be doing another quiz soon! “
Little Gate are still £29,707.00 short of their £30,000 target. So how can you support Little Gate to achieve their target?
The Little Gate ‘Barrow Full Of Christmas ‘ Raffle is a fantastic opportunity to do just that. Not only will you be contributing to their fundraiser but you’ll also be adding your name to the draw where you can win over £650.00 worth of festive food, drinks, toys, treats and tickets to events , ice skating and the White Rock Theatre pantomime.m.
Here’s the link to purchase tickets. Don’t delay as the draw closes at midday on Wednesday December 13.
If you have any other ways that you feel you can support Little Gate continue to fund the transformational and life changing work that they do, please contact The Fundraising Team at events@littlegate.org.uk
Little Gate Trainees who work in Rye (success stories in Rye).
Two trainees who have recently graduated from Little Gate Farm after gaining employment in local businesses are Laura and Chris who both work at The Mermaid inn. Laura is thriving at The Mermaid as a part-time housekeeper, with her job coach set to exit by mid-December. She’s on her way to full independence in her paid role!
After celebrating his graduation, Chris began an exciting new paid role as a kitchen porter at The Mermaid in mid-October. He’s dived right in, getting acquainted with his role, and making new friends with his co-workers.
Rye Fish Market and Parkdean Resorts are two other local businesses that partner with Little Gate and employ two trainees.
Aaron has recently started a paid position at Rye Fish Market. In this role, he’s responsible for tasks like weighing the fish and sorting a significant 29kg of Whelks across two shifts. Additionally, he plays a crucial part in maintaining cleanliness and order within the establishment, among other responsibilities.
Aaron’s performance has been exceptional, and he thoroughly enjoys his new role. Interestingly, it also stirs up cherished memories of his grandad, who loved fishing.
Thomas has been a valued member of Parkdean Resorts Camber Holiday Park staff for the last 18 months. He works 25 hours a week as a grounds maintenance person. When asked about his role Thomas said: “ I really enjoy working with the team I work with and what I like most about the role is getting to work with someone else on a task together.“
Image Credits: Little Gate Farm .