The Coasters give us a reason to SMILE

The Coasters, a five-piece blues, reggae and pop band made up of people supported by Dimensions, have raised the roof, and over £1000, for SMILE’s Reach Out for Recreation.

You can help Reach out for Recreation to achieve their dream of an accessible recreation area. Donate through their JustGiving page.

The gig

After The Coasters’ set, local band Slow Time Mondays headlined the gig, giving their time for free. STM took the excitement generated by The Coasters and filled the room with happiness.

The event, held free of charge at a local cricket club, was the first part of a fundraising appeal started by SMILE centre staff called Reach out for Recreation.

The goal of the project is to provide the Ifield community with an accessible recreational area. It will include a wheelchair swing, net swings and possibly gym equipment.

The ongoing appeal is being driven by two of the staff members in the SMILE centre; Hannah Duffy and Tess Claydon.

Support worker Tess said: “The project means a great deal to us and the recreation area will bring enjoyment to many people for years to come!

“Over 100 people enjoyed the night. We hadn’t anticipated how many people would want to attend the gig so ticket sales were limited to the venue’s capacity.

“The Coasters wowed the audience with a 45 minute set of original songs before Slow Time Mondays played a two hour set comprising both covers and original songs.

“STM even took the time to learn a new song by Status Quo, to perform for a young man that we support in the S.M.I.L.E Centre at Ifield. They are his all-time favourite band and he was invited up to join the band in signing some songs, which he thoroughly enjoyed.”

So far the project has raised £3,200 of a possible £30,000 target.

Locality Manager Matthew Cairns said: “I can’t stress how much time and effort Hannah and Tess have put into this project – without them this would not be happening. They are a true inspiration and I can’t put into words how proud they should be right now.”

The worthy cause

It is hoped that the new equipment will encourage fun, learning, creativity and development through play.

A spokesperson for Reach out for recreation said: “The recreation area will be fitted out with the latest equipment that enables people of all abilities to participate in activities that they are currently missing out on.

“Not only will it give the people we support the opportunity to enjoy the outside and participate in regular exercise, it will provide similar benefits to all users.

“We really need everyone’s support to help raise money and awareness of the need for this equipment. The team members are working so hard to make this happen so I have nothing but admiration for them.”

It is clear how the staff view the project and how important they feel Reach Out for Recreation is for their community.

Locality Manager Matthew Cairns said: “Fun and play should not be underestimated in its impact on learning and development. Play is the key to physical, mental, intellectual and social wellbeing.”

Dimensions’ SMILE unit, operating under Outreach 3Way, enables people with complex needs to develop new skills and get the right support.

There’s a fun-filled timetable including activities such as sensory cooking, hand and foot massage, music and movement sessions and a sensory room. People supported in SMILE can also integrate with the day centre and take part in a variety of community activities.

Thank you to Tess, Hannah, The Coasters, Slow Time Monday’s and everyone that came to enjoy the music and show their support.

You can help Reach out for Recreation to achieve their dream of installing an accessible recreation area. Donate through their JustGiving page.