A SALVATION Army-run centre in Kilbirnie for adults with learning disabilities has been recognised for its work by becoming one of the main features on the organisation’s new UK website.

The George Steven Centre on Craigton Road is run in partnership with North Ayrshire Council to provide specialist support for adults with learning disabilities.

One of the service users is Alan Kerr from Beith.

Alan first arrived at The Salvation Army at the age of 18 in 2000 after leaving Stanecastle School. His parents Aileen and David were looking for somewhere that would help them support their son through the challenges he was facing as a young adult.

Aileen said: “The George Steven Centre has been like an extended family to Alan over the last 16 years. It has supported him to achieve his goals in life and helps him feel included and respected in his community. Every member of staff is caring and understanding of Alan as an individual, which is so important.

“With the support of his key worker, Alan enjoys a varied personal programme that helps him realise his potential, improve his skills and boost his confidence. He’s had the chance to be involved in a range of activities, from gardening and keep fit to 10-pin bowling and music classes.”

David said that the centre had helped Alan develop in every way, socially, mentally and physically and described the service as “completely reliable”.

He added: “It's also important to have this service in the Garnock Valley area. It means Alan and other service users don't have to travel too far afield. One of the important aspects is the transport links. The bus services to the George Steven Centre are good from the likes of Beith and Dalry. It's a good central location in the middle of the town and the local people support it. It integrates very well with Kilbirnie and the surrounding areas.”

Tom Mitchell, from Kilbirnie, has been attending the day service since 2005. He first came into the centre as a cafe customer and loved it so much he decided to stay.

Tom said: “Coming to the centre has changed me a lot. I’ve been able to learn loads of new things. I do domestics, gardening, arts and crafts, cookery and road safety. I’ve also had the chance to volunteer in the cafe and at the local Salvation Army charity shop.

“I use the day service three days a week and I really enjoy the Wednesday morning get-togethers. The chaplain Major Catherine Wyles joins us and we say prayers and sing songs. Sometimes we do solos so it can be nerve-wracking but I love it.”

Emma has been a service user at the George Steven Centre since October 2013. She attends the centre two days a week and goes to Ayrshire College the other three.

Her parents Ian and Heather said the George Steven Centre has given Emma the independence and confidence they thought she’d never have.

Ian said: “When our daughter first came to the centre she wasn’t independent at all. We would have to drive her everywhere.”

Heather said: “Emma does certain things on certain days. She does drama, life skills, cooking, exercises and the brain gym, which is a kind of quiz. She also goes on trips out and was a solo singer at the Christmas carol service at The Salvation Army’s community church in Kilbirnie. She much prefers the centre to the college. It’s made her more outgoing and she has a good repartee with the staff.

“Emma is the youngest at the centre but the age thing has never come into it for her. She has never mentioned that there’s anyone older. Disability doesn’t bother her either. To Emma, a person is a person and that’s that. We could all learn something from her.”

Another feature of the George Steven Centre is the Blend-In Cafe, which is open to the public and doubles as a training space where service users can learn the skills involved in serving customers and keeping a kitchen tidy. The cafe is a hit with locals in Kilbirnie for its quality food and affordable prices.

Evelyn Fleming, who has been a regular cafe customer for the past six years, said: “It’s a pleasure to come here and have lunch. We’re usually in a couple of times a week and the staff and service users are always so welcoming. The food is delicious and it’s great to see the service users develop as they spend more time doing their day-to-day duties.”

Centre manager Lynne Harvey said: “I’m privileged to manage each and every aspect of this service – and enjoy the diversity and challenges that each day brings.

“As we move into 2016, we are continuing to build connections with our partners in order to offer meaningful opportunities for our service users.

“Each of one of our projects is being developed in partnership with our key stakeholders in order to offer a tailored needs-led service with choice and inclusion – to make the ideology become a reality which is sustainable now and in the future.”

Find out more by visiting www.salvationarmy.org.uk/george-steven-centre