THE St Helens Coalition of Disabled People is to introduce a new scheme aimed at helping people with learning disabilities to get involved in ordinary community activities.

The Enabling Scheme will recruit volunteers who are willing to give up part of their free time to enable and support people who have learning disabilities, to do things like shopping, attending evening courses or local community centres, or even doing voluntary work. It promotes social inclusion and will also work with service providers to encourage the development of more inclusive practices.

Organisers at the coalition, based in the SmithKline Beecham Building, Westfield Street, are hoping the new scheme will complement the Befriending Scheme which they already provide. This offers friendship and support to people with physical and sensory disabilities through a volunteer befriender.

A preparation training course for the Enabling Scheme will start in mid-September and the coalition is calling for volunteers, for both this and the Befriending Scheme. They would also like to hear from anyone who has learning disabilities who would like more information on joining the new scheme.

For more details, contact Laura Bodnar (Enabling Scheme co-ordinator) or Ann Statter (Befriending Scheme co-ordinator) on (01744) 633379.