SUSO receives Government fund boost

Macclesfield charity, Speaking Up Speaking Out (SUSO) welcomed local MP, David Rutley, to celebrate receiving £69,910, as part of the Government’s Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund (CCLF).

David met with Jill Schofield, Chief Officer, to discuss how the funding will support the charities work with its adult members.  

Since its creation in 2005, SUSO, based in The Heritage Centre on Roe Street, supports adults with learning disabilities and autism and has over 120 regular members. The charity offers a range of training courses and activities each week – all developed to help adults of all ages lead independent and fulfilling lives. 

Ms Schofield outlined some of the courses on offer, including healthy eating, travel safety, gardening and Makaton – a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. The group enjoys day trips to the cinema and Blackpool, alongside fun activities including arts and crafts, a pub quiz and karaoke.

The government funding will be used to continue the engaging learning experiences for SUSO’s members and continuing the partnership working the charity has developed. The Community Connect initiative works with other local charities such as Space4Autism and Time Out. Ms Schofield also highlighted that SUSO holds regular ‘Speak Out’ meetings to advocate for the learning-disabled community and raise awareness of the abilities and needs of people with learning disabilities. David was informed that four of SUSO’s members are currently undertaking their trainer qualification to support other learning-disabled adults. 

More information about SUSO and how to support their work can be found by using the following link, www.maccsuso.org.uk.

SUSO Chair, Jill Schofield commented, “We are delighted to receive the CCLF funding from the Government, it will allow our dedicated team to continue to do their brilliant work to support our cherished members. At SUSO we care about each and every one of our members and welcome any adults with a Learning disability/Autism to join us and become a part of our family.”

Speaking after the visit, David said “I have worked with SUSO for many years, and it is good to see the positive progress they have made since their move into the Heritage Centre. The wide range of activities and training courses on offer allows SUSO members to access a number of important skills, which can be further developed as they continue to take part in the charity’s vibrant and active programme.”