Guideposts Trust
A chance to learn new life skills
Guideposts Trust work in local communities. They help people access the opportunities and skills they need to live more independently and feel more included.
Having the right support and learning new skills can help people feel more confident and improve their wellbeing. That’s where Guideposts Trust comes in. Their mission is to ensure no one with mental health conditions, learning disabilities or dementia is left behind.
What our funding has been used for
With Barnwood funding, Guideposts has been able to grow its Academy, which teaches important life skills to people who need extra support. When people finish a course, they get a certificate that is up to GCSE level.
The first course to run was the Food Skills module, which taught people how to cook healthy meals from scratch. Lessons were broken into small steps, so everyone could learn in their own way. At the end of the course, everyone celebrated with their friends and family.
The course helped people feel proud, grow in confidence, and learn new skills to use in everyday life. One person, who had been very quiet, started talking with others for the first time because she was proud of her cooking. Another said,
“I’m proud of my certificate—now friends want me to cook for them!“
Looking ahead
After the success of the first Food Skills course, Guideposts is starting new courses in Creative Living, and in Relationships, Self-esteem and Identity. They are planning to grow the Academy to reach more people in Cirencester and Cheltenham. Sharon Baker, Support Worker at Guideposts, said:
“We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and grow, and we are dedicated to providing an inclusive environment where adults with learning disabilities can thrive.“
