As we look ahead to September, we're excited to share some changes coming to A Reason to Get Up (ARTGU).

Over the past year, we've been listening to feedback from our ARTGU community and working closely with our partners to think about how we can continue to offer meaningful, enjoyable opportunities that help learners build confidence, develop independence and work towards their longer-term goals.

From September, ARTGU will continue on the same days, at the same times and at the same cost, but we'll be delivering the programme in some new and exciting ways.

Person-centred-programming

From September, every ARTGU learner will have the opportunity to complete a Person-Centred Planning Booklet, similar to those used within Building Futures.

The booklet will help us understand what is important to each learner, what they would like to achieve and how ARTGU can support their development.

Learners will also have the opportunity to work towards AQA accredited qualifications, with more information about these opportunities and the small additional cost to follow.

ARTGU will also now provide a pathway of up to three years, giving learners time to develop their skills and work towards their goals before exploring other activities or trying different ARTGU sessions.

Five community sessions

Each ARTGU session will continue to have its own focus, while working together to create one connected community.

Grow Outdoor Collective will combine growing produce at Birtley House with conservation and environmental projects across Surrey, alongside mindfulness and gentle exercise.

Fit Club will continue to help learners build confidence and fitness, with opportunities to explore activities such as swimming and Wheels for All.

IT & Pod will focus on podcasting, digital skills, editing, content creation and creative IT projects.

Crafty Enterprises will continue its creative work at Watts Gallery while developing larger projects and exploring opportunities to create products for occasional market stalls.

Cook with Confidence will focus on essential independent living skills, including meal planning, budgeting, shopping and preparing recipes that learners can recreate at home.

Working together

One of the most exciting parts of the new ARTGU programme is the opportunity for the sessions to connect with one another.

Produce grown by Grow Outdoor Collective could be used by Cook with Confidence, while Crafty Enterprises could use flowers, seeds and natural materials from the outdoor group in creative projects. IT & Pod could create advertising, labels and promotional content, as well as recipe books featuring dishes developed through Cook with Confidence.

By bringing the sessions together, we can create even more opportunities for learners to experience a more well-rounded programme though endless opportunities to learn, collaborate, develop.

We're really looking forward to beginning this next chapter of ARTGU together.

If you would like some more information please contact us on ARTGUteam@halowproject.org.uk