An initiative has been launched to help young adults with additional needs immerse themselves into the community through activities and learning job skills.

Leonard Cheshire Isle of Man, a charity that supports individuals with physical and mental disabilities, is behind the Can Do programme, for people aged 16 to 35.

The scheme provides eight-week projects for individuals who have varying needs and will collaborate with other charities from across the island.

As part of the programme, participants will prepare food and packages for homeless people, get involved in fundraising events, take part in sporting activities and craft-making.

Ten young ’can-doers’ were presented with a certificate at the Legislative Buildings in Douglas, on Tuesday (November 19), in recognition of them being the first people to begin the new programme.

Can Do programme co-ordinator Christine Parker said: ’Can Do has been going in the UK for 12 years.

’It’s a project-based programme for people with pan disabilities - whether that’s mental disabilities or social emotional disabilities.

’The projects are designed to increase their confidence, make new friendships and learn new skills by doing activities they’ve never had the opportunity to do before.’

She added that the charity is running ’Can Do +’, which will further provide individuals with employability skills and help them to find voluntary positions or jobs.

There is a place for this type of programme, she told the Manx Independent.

’We do have good facilities in the island, but there are a few young people who fall through the net because they aren’t registered with a learning disability or they have an IQ of 70-plus and therefore don’t receive a service, which is very sad’ she said.

Craft

’We’ve started a craft project with The Children Centre’s Community Farm where they have been making items to sell at Christmas fairs.

’They will be setting up and manning a stall at Ballakermeen High School and at Autism Initiatives Christmas fairs.’

The first 10 individuals to enrol on the programme have down syndrome or are on the autistic spectrum, she said.

Duncan Macken, aged 18, from Douglas is one of the first Can Doers.

He said: ’Collecting my certificate and being one of the first on the programme is exciting. We’ve been making decorations and things to sell at the two Christmas fairs and it’s really good.’

He is most looking forward to learning job skills and getting work experience.

Individuals can either self-refer themselves for the programme or be referred through social workers by emailing [email protected] or phoning 679030.

For more details, search: www.leonardcheshire.org/cando