History
CFE the charity was initially funded by the National Millennium Award Scheme in June 2001 and it focussed on the provision of therapeutic craft classes to for people with a learning disability.
CFE received charitable status in 2003 and for the following three years continued to extend and develop the client base and the services offered. In January 2006 the charity registered a trading arm as a co–operative social enterprise. The new company became an arms- length trading company of the initial charity.
The therapeutic craft sessions are attended by people with moderate to severe learning disabilities and physical impairments and involve a range of different crafts. The classes are delivered by qualified tutors who are experienced in working with people with special needs and a high level of support is given by three members of staff and six volunteers.
The classes provide an opportunity for social interaction which improves communication and social skills. Friendships are formed and the sense of belonging is very strong. The activities have also been proven to benefit the students by building their self confidence. We develop skills, and take delight in helping people reach their full potential. We find meaningful roles for people with a learning disability who wish to volunteer such as supporting in the classes and admin work, we also employ a person with a learning disability as a cleaner. Forty people between the ages of 20 – 80 benefit from the project on a regular basis.
In 2005 CFE developed Ichthus Ceramics, a commercial pottery, which manufactures an exclusive range of ceramics to a very high standard. The project provides work related training, work experience and volunteer opportunities for people with a learning disability / mental health problems and also people who are long term unemployed.
The training is delivered by our qualified Ceramic Designer and is heavily biased towards work focused skills and employability. The trainees learn a variety of real hands on skills in the production of our wares gaining confidence through the completion of tasks. The trainees work as part of a team with our existing volunteers helping with production of ceramic items which we supply to shops in Cardiff and Ledbury.
They are also able to do some self initiated and motivated work which they are allowed to take home. Trainees gain a multitude of transferable skills throughout the course that they can take with them into the jobs market. We are also working in partnership with the Workers Education Association to deliver an OCN accredited course in Health and Safety.
