Norwich charity calls for readers’ help in minibus appeal

Staff and service users at Nansa Adult and Youth day care centre are excited about their fundraising for a new mini bus, organised by Megan Kennedy, front left, and Emily Case, front right. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

The charity Nansa is aiming to raise £20,000 by May 23 to pay for a vital new minibus.

Based in Bowthope Road, Norwich, Nansa is a day-care centre which provides support, education, training and advice to people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities from across Norfolk.

They have £17,000 – but are hoping readers will help them collect the remaining £3,000.

Emily Case, community fundraising and marketing officer, said: 'This new mini-bus will be fully inclusive and it will complement our educational courses.

'We don't believe anyone should be left out – everyone should be able to get out and access further education. We are really hoping for everybody's support to help get us over the line.'

Nansa teaches classes in subjects including cookery, English, numeracy and arts and crafts.

Teaching assistant Sophie Maddox said some of the centre's users were doing courses towards Gateway qualifications, which would pave the way to employment.

Ms Maddox said: 'With a minibus, members would be able to get much more out of these courses, as they would be able to visit places in the community, reinforcing what they've learnt during sessions.'

Wheelchair user Stephen Warnes, who goes to Nansa, said: 'The minibus will have a lift which will make it much easier for me to get on and off.'

Fellow Nansa member Glenn Butcher said: 'It would be great to be able to take a big group of us out especially when the weather is good.'

To donate to the appeal, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/nansaminibus.

- Do you have a story about a community appeal? Email stuart.anderson@archant.co.uk