OUR PROJECT
“It’s a place where we belong, and it belongs to us”
”We feel part of something”
Perlins Community Project is a day opportunity for adults with learning disabilities living in Winchester and the local area. We were established in 2009.
The project is well located in Winchester, close to transport links and in a beautiful natural setting.
The aim of our project is for people to feel included, to have freedom to make real choices about what we do, this is what makes the project what it is.
We strongly believe that being outdoors and reconnecting with nature is vital in modern life. This idea is central to our project. Our aim is that the opportunities we provide are healthy and meaningful and allow our project members to develop their skills and grow as individuals.
We have a blog so you can keep up to date with what we are doing
What we do
Our project members make choices each day that they come to Perlins. These are choices about what they want to do and are made in small, supported planning groups. They are informed by the aims project members have set. We focus on the seasons of the year and the aims are linked to our seasons.
We have The River Site and our allotment both centrally located in Winchester. We also engage in a range of community based activities as well as putting of events for people to come and experience what we do and give our project members the opportunity to share their skills and experiences with our local community.
We strongly believe that being outdoors and reconnecting with nature is vital in modern life. This idea is central to our project. Our aim is that the opportunities we provide are healthy and meaningful and allow our project members to develop their skills and grow as individuals.
Allotment
Located in Park Road Allotments in Winchester, Perlins have had a plot since 2009. Many project members enjoy growing fruit and vegetables and the community spirit at the allotment.
Lavender bank and cut flowers
The River Site was waste ground for many years, thought to be a rubbish site for demolished houses. We are restoring a bank of poor quality soil into a Lavender bank to be enjoyed my nature and people.
Osier Bed and willow weaving
We have planted a range of willow and osier for basketry and making bird feeders and wreaths.
Creative Studio
We have built an off grid creative studio so that project members can have many creative opportunities.
Green woodwork
Many project members enjoy making things. Green woodwork is a natural and calming way to work with wood. It is done outside, in a natural setting using only hand tools.
Community
We have always looked to give our project members opportunities to get involved with our local community, through volunteering and other community initiatives.
Sea Project
Several times a year we take groups down to the sea. This is to experience the therapeutic benefits of being near the sea. We run a range of sessions catering for all.
How we work
Our approach has been developed of many years, it is personal centred with an emphasis on building confidence through making positive choices and building skills.
