Local charity provides solid foundation for people living with learning disabilities
Situated on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds in the historic market town of Caistor, the Rock Foundation offers supported living for up to 12 residents and respite care on weekends. Their day care services include practical workshops, supported work placements (at their onsite shop and tearoom), and help with everyday life skills to enable residents and students to build their self-esteem and live more independently.
Its main site is in Grimsby, North Lincolnshire and was originally set up in 2008 for young people and adults with learning disabilities and those who are disadvantaged. They currently support over 90 students who access their day service provision, and 7 residents live in their supported living accommodation at the Caistor site which opened in 2018.
Grants Officer, Christine Bull has been working for the Rock Foundation for over a year and is a passionate advocate for the charity. Their work is still not very well known in Lincolnshire and is very keen to spread the word, and to make parents, schools, and health services aware of the support they can offer. She said:
“Caistor Rock Day Services is a fantastic opportunity for adults aged 18 and over with Learning Disabilities, including autism, to enjoy socialising, crafting, gardening, music, baking and much, much more. Our Day Services provide a relaxed learning environment in the beautiful surroundings of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Everyone is welcome to look around and see what the Rock Foundation has to offer. Your local Adult Social Care Team will be able to help you secure funding if our resources meet your care assessment needs”.
The charity is also keen to do what it can to become more sustainable. Just recently, they have secured planning permission to install solar panels, which will be able to power the whole site, a huge relief with the rising energy costs and the colder months not too far away. They also have a community allotment which is maintained by students and a number of local volunteers, including the Caistor & District Lions. Produce from the allotment is used in the on-site café and is also available for visitors to purchase on a donation basis. The allotment has also recently been awarded funding from the Lincolnshire Coop Community Champions scheme to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Christine added:
“We are a not-for-profit organisation, so any money made goes back directly in to funding our services. These kinds of services are vital for families of children with learning disabilities and has made a huge difference to their lives”.
The Caistor Tea Room is currently open Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4.30pm, Fridays, 9.30am to 8pm, and Saturdays, 9.30am to 4.30pm. It offers a concise, delicious menu and sells award-winning Blyton Ice Cream. Their location boasts stunning views of the Lincolnshire Wolds and is the ideal place to catch up with friends or sit and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the beautiful countryside. Visitors can also step outside and stretch their legs and enjoy the nature walk, which takes you down to Five Springs*, just one of many natural springs that can be found in the area. Children can also enjoy the outdoor play area and family room.
*Please note footpaths are maintained grass areas (no hardstanding footpath) and includes a slope / incline to access.
The gift shop and sweet emporium is also open during the same hours and has a range of gifts, some of which have been made by the students in their workshop at the Grimsby site.
For more information about Caistor Rock day services, or to arrange a visit, please call 01472 488026 or email office@rockfoundation.org.uk.
For more information about the Rock Foundation and to keep up with their latest news visit Rock Foundation. For regular updates more locally, follow Rock Caistor on Facebook.