CMSS - Skills Development Centre For People with Disabilities

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Overview

CMSS currently has 5 community based projects running in the following boroughs: South Hillingdon, North Hillingdon, Harrow, Brent and Northwood Hills.

The community projects began in 2007 with a pilot project in the Wembley area of the borough of Brent. The project , provides daytime support services to adults who have physical disabilities or learning difficulties. Each person has an individualised timetable which enables them to access activities, work experience and courses in their own local communities.

Once the pilot was sucessful, we expanded into the boroughs of Hillingdon and Harrow, increasing the service we offer to our clients with a broad range of activities to enable them to live fulfilled lives and make choices which in turn enables them to have some control over their lives.

The Mission

All people involved in the project will have one united vision that believes:

Everyone has the right to live, work and contribute to their community as valued members.
Everyone has something to offer that is worthy of respect.
Everyone has the right to make decisions for themselves.
Everyone has the opportunity to form friendships and relationships with a variety of people in their community.

Our mission is to provide the long or short term support to enable people with disabilities to live in their own community as a valued member, to use their skills in meaningful ways, to make informed choices about their lives and to build relationships in their community. By working co-operatively with family, friends, local resources and other services, it is our goal to assist people with disabilities in enjoying rich and valued lives.

Services Available

The service is designed to be flexible and respond to the needs of each person involved in the project. Each individual will have a structured day on everyday they participate in the service. The following community activities are available, as are many more:

Adult Education College courses, all levels such as City and Guilds, including topics like Gardening, Photography, Embroidery, Fashion and Floristry.
Clients have the opportunity to attend main stream courses. Currently we have clients on French, German and Italian courses working towards qualifications.
Clients have the opportunity to enhance their independent living skills within their own homes
And much much more... Just ask whats on offer.

CMSS Latest News

NEWS****** ******FLASH

*CMSS*

*Diamond*

*Jubilee*

CMSS celebrated it’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and what a year it was. We enjoyed past many events throughout the year, bringing together many of the people who have been involved with CMSS over the 60 years.

On 29th September the actual anniversary of CMSS, we held a Gala Day to celebrate this momentous occasion. We had a very special visitor, Jean Martin (nee Cantly) whose father George, along with many other forward thinking parents, was the instigator of the forming of our organisation all those years ago.

It was fitting for her to release the first of 60 balloons, each one representing a year of history of CMSS, a history of our Clients moving forward, initially in tiny steps and now it seems, in great leaps.

As the finale, we released one very large balloon this was to symbolise our hopes and aspirations for the future. The mantel has now been passed to the next generation, long may it continue.

The Events held throughout this year:

1st June - We started the ball rolling with an Evening Disco and Buffet for all the clients, I can tell you they had a great time.

6th July - We had our Day trip to Brighton, which was a great day, enjoyed by all. Despite the fact that it poured for most of the day, it was a great opportunity for us all to be together and enjoy the day. There were 134 of us in total which was a bit different from the original trip, way back in 1952 when they all went in one small minibus.

25th & 26th July: 'The In Between Years' performance by Clients of CMSS. This was a triumph for all involved with the production. We really saw what can be done with hard work, perseverance and determination. We drew upon elements from the experiences of our older Clients to re-enact scenes from the old days, as well as putting a modern tilt on things as well. This production filled us with pride, to see Clients and staff to put on a night to remember for all those who were lucky enough to be there. It also showed how much talent we have on offer at CMSS.

10th August: We held a Picnic in the grounds - this was a Reunion for everyone who has been part of the history and traditions of CMSS over the last 60 years. It was wonderful to see so many 'old' familiar faces, who came along on the day and shared their stories and memories with us. It was also fantastic that the Uxbridge Gazette sent a photographer and journalist to capture some of those moments and put them into print. Hopefully this will also have given CMSS an opportunity to share our great story with the local community.

12th September - Carers and Volunteers outing to Buckingham Palace. This trip incorporated a mini tour of London, followed by lunch at Southbank. After lunch we were taken by coach to Buckingham Palace for a tour of London's famous land mark, concluding with afternoon tea in the palace’s restaurant. The coach then whisked our group back to the centre for a traditional British dinner of Bangers and Mash. Judging by the amount of thank you cards and e-mails we received following the trip, we can safely say that good fun was had by all!!

29th September: **GALA DAY**

24th November - Christmas Bazaar. This was very well attended, in fact it was the best turnout we have had in the last few years. It was great to see so many people turn up to the event, but it also gave us the impression that during this year of Jubilee celebrations, we have raised our profile in the local community and as an organisation, created a real sense of togetherness that will take us through into next year and beyond.

14th December: Christmas Lunch. The Finale we held this at Ruislip Golf Club for clients, staff, trustees and volunteers. All in all there were about 140 people in attendance and this was simply the best way to cap off a year like this one has been, sitting down together looking forward to the future.

I would just like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has played a part in making this year such a fantastic way to celebrate 60 years of CMSS

Thank you

Betty Morris.