A POPULAR charity in the heart of Stroud which provides fun and friendship in the community is celebrating a milestone.
Allsorts, which supports families with disabled children, is proudly marking its 15th anniversary.
It is celebrating remarkable progress from humble beginnings to becoming a vital community resource in Gloucestershire.
Founded in 2009, Allsorts began as a grassroots initiative led by a dedicated group of parents seeking better opportunities for their children.
Over the years, it has evolved into a dynamic charity, making a substantial impact on hundreds of lives.
Allsorts provides essential support groups, fun and social activities, and a sense of community for families going through similar experiences.
Clare Garratt and Jo Bell were part of parent team instrumental in setting up the charity, both knowing how much this was needed in the county.
Clare was running the Toy Library at the Trinity Rooms, Stroud, when Jo came along with her son, John.
“I was feeling pretty low, those early months around diagnosis can be so lonely and isolating, said Jo.
“John, my tiny tot, was in the pushchair, and I nervously wheeled him around the corner into the hall.
“I said to Clare, ‘I’m not sure if we’re supposed to be here?’. She didn’t know anything about me, she’d never met me before and, straight away, she said: ‘Of course you’re supposed to be here!’, I just immediately felt at home.”
Clare, who is still a member of the Allsorts team, added: “I’ve been involved in one way or another since 1996.
"Allsorts came about when the Meadows Toy & Leisure Library merged with a parent and carer group called SNAP.
"There was quite a bit of overlap, and it made sense for the two groups to come together.”
“I have a daughter who has a learning disability and is now 31, and we always made use of the services.
“Once Allsorts came into being there were youth and sports clubs. The number of activities has expanded as the team has grown.
“There wasn’t much in the way of support back then, so I think I’ve always been so keen to help and provide an increased level of support and opportunities for families who have children with additional needs.
“I feel very strongly about that as a parent with a young person who’s now living in supported living.”
Children like Alfie, and countless others, have grown up with Allsorts, benefitting from its inclusive activities and safe environments.
“If you looked at me when I first started Allsorts, you’d never think I’d be able to drive, do my GCSEs, or even become a lifeguard, but they support me so much,” said Alfie.
“In a million years, I never thought I’d get the support I got.
"Without Allsorts, I wouldn’t be anybody, I’d just be a normal kid with a disability on the street trying his best in life, but I never thought I’d be here.
“Hopefully it continues!”
To commemorate this milestone, Allsorts is launching several fundraising initiatives, including a Gala Dinner and their Challenge 15 campaign.
These events aim to raise essential funds to continue and expand Allsorts’ vital work.
For more information visit allsortsglos.org.uk, email info@allsortsglos.org.uk or call 01453 750474.
Allsorts is based on the Third Floor at Brunel Mall, London Road, Stroud.
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