One-To-One Enfield is boosting confidence and skills through arts

One-to-one Enfield member Richard Armstrong — *One-To-one Enfield member Richard Armstrong belts out a tune*

People with learning difficulties and autism in Enfield will get help getting online and accessing arts and cultural activities, thanks to new funding a local charity.

One-To-One Enfield’s community arts hub scheme organises activities such as music, arts and crafts, arranges trips to the theatre and cinema, and trains members to help their peers with using digital technology.

The charity, based in Edmonton, says people with learning difficulties often feel excluded from culture and the arts and find it difficult accessing activities or booking events online due to lack of knowledge or equipment.

The project is being funded through a £95,200 grant over two years from City Bridge Trust – the City of London Corporation’s charity funder.

One-To-One Enfield chief executive Lesley Walls said: “This scheme is about combating isolation and ensuring people are not excluded from arts and cultural activities in their area; and ensuring they have the skills to get online.

“We also hope it will help people to feel able to get out and about and do things once again, as a lot of people’s confidence has really suffered during lockdown.”

During the pandemic, One-To-One Enfield moved its activities online, including hosting online choir singing and ‘virtual trips’ to locations in London and around the world.

Elizabeth Taoushanis from Winchmore Hill attends One-To-One activities, including choir sessions and quiz nights, and is a member of the charity’s management committee. She will support other people with learning difficulties to use the internet.

She said: “At the start of the pandemic I was lonely and could not get in touch with my friends. One-to-One helped me to use a smart phone and iPad. I joined the WhatsApp group and Zoom meetings.

“I am happy now and good at using my iPad. I want to help other people learn to use smartphones and iPads.”

A City Bridge Trust spokesperson said: “Taking part in artistic and cultural activities is a great way for people with learning difficulties and autism to boost their confidence and learn skills to help them make friends and hopefully find work.

“Getting online is essential these days for accessing the arts and for general life, and helping people develop their digital skills is a big focus of this project.”

For more information about One-To-One Enfield:
Visit one-to-one-enfield.co.uk

For more information about City Bridge Trust:
Visit citybridgetrust.org.uk

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