A charity in Havant which supports local people with learning disabilities or additional needs has been praised by local MP Alan Mak.
The Havant MP visited Creating Chaos on Friday 8 March, which is supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.
During the visit, Mr Mak learned how through Creating Chaos, young people with learning disabilities or additional needs are able to ‘give back’ to their local area by carrying out tasks and gestures of goodwill for the local community. Examples of the Random Acts of Kindness include cooking and delivering meals to the homeless, performing and befriending in homes for the elderly, carrying out weekly shops and gardening for the sick or elderly, litter picks and beach cleans. This provides a mutually beneficial support service in the community, as young people are able to socialise, build confidence and improve their wellbeing, while vulnerable members of the community receive help and support.
During his visit Alan Mak met people with learning disabilities who use the service, project staff and Trustees, and representatives from The National Lottery Community Fund.
The MP heard how Creating Chaos is also improving community spirit and raising awareness of issues faced by people with learning disabilities by putting on performances on important topics such as anti-bullying in schools, care homes and other community locations.
He also saw how the organisation raises funds through selling upcycled household items such as furniture and crafts at its volunteer-led shop in Havant. The Boring to Beautiful project provides volunteers with the opportunity to learn new skills, communicate with people and work in a shop, and also reduces the local community’s waste.
Creating Chaos is the registered charity of Chaos Support, an independent provider of services to people aged 13-75 who have a learning disability or additional needs. Last year, the charity received over £125,000 of National Lottery funding to provide more practical support, friendship, and education to vulnerable people within the Havant Community.
Havant MP Alan Mak said: “It was a pleasure to visit Creating Chaos and meet the inspiring people who are selflessly doing good in our community. Not only is the project going out in to the local area to support the most vulnerable residents, but it is also raising awareness of important subjects and providing opportunities for people with learning disabilities to socialise and increase their confidence and wellbeing.
“It’s a shining example of how a community can work together, and a good reminder of what National Lottery funding can help to achieve.”
Matthew Charters, Trustee of Chaos Support, said: “"We are delighted to have received such generous support from The National Lottery Community Fund, not only in financial terms but also in the availability and advice of the team there. We were thrilled that Alan Mak MP and members of The National Lottery Community Fund team were able to come and see what we do.
“We are incredibly proud of the effort and enthusiasm that the young people at Creating Chaos display in making a contribution to their community, and are determined to use this funding to make a huge difference in our local area".
Elly De Decker, Senior Head of Regional Funding for The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Creating Chaos is a fantastic example of a charity helping its local community to thrive. It’s wonderful to see so many different groups from the community benefitting from the project - from young people with learning disabilities to socially isolated older residents - and we’re delighted Alan Mak MP was able to experience the excellent work of this group.”
To find out more visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.
