New centre for people with learning difficulties opens (From Sutton Guardian)

Renovated shop in Carshalton to help people into work

6:20am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in News By James Pepper

A new centre which aims to people with learning difficulties into work has been opened.

Director Nick Walsh, 32, who grew up in Demesne Road in Wallington and now lives in Croydon Road, will run the innovative new training centre with his business partner, Elena Nicola, 30, a trained social worker.

Based in Benyon Road in Carshalton, opposite the Windsor Castle pub, the centre will combine carefully tailored training courses for people with learning disabilities.

The centre's training courses will help develop the skills of people with learning disabilities so they become more independent and confident, and also give them more practical skills in things like woodwork and other arts and crafts.

The hope is that they will then get paid employment making things for sale in the store or working as sales assistants.

The shop, called 'Interestingly Different', will see a former off-licence that has been empty for 20 years, brought back into use.

At its official opening on Saturday Nick Walsh, said: "This is a really exciting opportunity for people living in the area who have learning disabilities.

"We're going to be selling loads of different things, from up-cycled shabby chic furniture to handmade candles, decorations and ornaments, most of it made by local people with learning disabilities."

Mr Walsh's Nick's fellow director, Elena Nicola, said: "By providing people with the skills they need to get paid work and make things that are good enough to sell in a shop, we can boost their confidence, independence and chances of getting other paid work in future. We're looking forward to welcoming people and cannot wait to get started."