The Clare Milne Trust was delighted to support the further development of facilities at The Exeter Gateway Centre, a friendly charity undertaking important work, where learning disabled people can come together and enjoy a range of social and recreational activities, organised by a small team of staff and volunteers.

The Centre provides a safe and secure environment where members can relax, meet their friends and have fun. It also encourages members to explore and interact with a range of new and unusual activities.

Their latest project was to create an additional arts and crafts and sensory space to benefit all Exeter Gateway Centre members.

The additional space the numbers of members has risen welcoming members 19 and 80, now able to accommodate up to 27 members daily, 5 days a week. The extra space also means that we are also able to accommodate a few wheelchair users, together with their carers.

The Clare Milne Trust trustees loved reading the feedback from delighted Members and staff.

Linda L “Very smart. Who is it for? Us?! I like it here. Can I do some cross stitch in the chair because I need it quiet.”

Molly “It’s relaxing and I like the colours of the cupboards. I feel calm and peaceful in here. I can be here in my wheelchair comfortably and craft. I also like sitting in the sensory chairs. They are very comfortable and gives me a break from the wheelchair.”

Victoria “I like it here so much I don’t want to play bingo anymore.”

Emma H “Like this room a lot. It’s nice and quiet so I can concentrate and talk to my friends.”

John E “It’s an ideal place to come and relax away from the noise. I find it easier to concentrate on the arts and crafts.”

Louise E “I like the quiet. It’s very relaxing to listen to the music.”

Victoria “I like to use the room as a break from the main area. It can get a bit noisy so I like somewhere quieter and relaxing.’

Caroline “I like the space. I’m looking forward to being out there and doing different craft out there. I think it will be quieter to work in. It’s lovely and warm out there.” Cathie “This is a nice room. Can I come out and sit quietly by the window?”

Lily “Very nice cupboards. I want to paint here. We need more shelves. The room is beautiful.”

David H “I like it here. Look outside. I can watch the squirrels.”

Rose E “I love our new room. I’m looking forward to doing arts and crafts like papier maché and painting.” Dani “This is good. I want to watch TV and do arts and crafts out here.

Tracy “Very nice. I want to do colouring and painting here.” The new room is also already highly valued by our staff and volunteers, as illustrated by the following observations:

Jonathan (Staff) “It’s a place to have quieter conversations amongst staff and members and give time to those participating in the array of activities.”

Carolyn (staff) “The new room has made such a difference already. I can do focussed activities with a small group and I use it when members are agitated or overwhelmed.”

Daryl (Centre Manager)- “I’ve noticed how some members who may not have previously participated in certain activities have found the confidence to join in, in the different environment. It gives staff a chance to work with small groups mostly uninterrupted. As a staff, we all agree that it also provides a chance for staff to ‘breathe’. The members realise that it is a quiet space so the whole feel to the room is quieter and a slower pace. We have noticed that individuals that have heightened behaviour will either take themselves off to the room or be easily persuaded to come and relax.”

Exeter Gateway Centre

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