Charity which helps residents with disabilities and mental health issues could fold

Unless core funding can be found to employ a full-time manager/activities coordinator, Beyond Boundaries East Lothian (BBEL) may be forced to cease operating.

Fears were raised after a successful ‘come and try’ event at Musselburgh Lagoons last Saturday, when a 70-strong crowd turned out to participate in taster sessions.

People with disabilities and mental health issues got the chance to take part in canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, cycling, geo-caching and orienteering under the watchful eye of qualified instructors and volunteer helpers from Venturing Out CIC, East Lothian Canoe Club, North Berwick Kayak Club, East Lothian Council Outdoor Learning Services and Cycling Out. The ‘Come and Try’ event also attracted parents, family members, carers and support workers who ended up having a go.

The charity was set up as a labour of love in 2011 on a voluntary basis by Steven Nelson, a support worker with East Lothian Council who helps young people with disabilities find jobs. The activities include archery, caving, Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, sailing, skiing and white water rafting.

Mr Nelson said: “There was a significant lack and need of provision for people aged 16-plus with disabilities and mental health issues living in East Lothian to learn, develop and appreciate the many benefits from regular participation in outdoor activities and adventure sports. I decided to establish BBEL with the aim of providing and developing such opportunities. It is a bespoke service.”

Since then, the charity has worked with more than 300 individuals, providing activity days and equipment, with the help of cash-aid from Lottery Awards for All, East Lothian Council, Cycling Scotland and the Bank of Scotland Community Fund, YPI Award via Knox Academy in Haddington. It also carries out its own fundraising with sponsored cycles and canoe challenges, as well as bag-packing.

Mr Nelson manages and coordinates the outdoor activities in his own time, in the evenings, weekends and during his holidays, but feels there is now a need for a full-time post at a cost of £36,000 a year for three years.

He said: “BBEL urgently needs core funding to employ a full-time manager/activities coordinator in order to run and develop this much-wanted and beneficial charity.

“Without such funding, BBEL will be forced to cease operating and would therefore deny people with disabilities and mental health issues such a valued service. This is the only way BBEL can go forward and develop. It can’t run itself and I can’t run it on a part-time basis.

“I have put thousands and thousands of hours into this. It is the best feeling in the world to see someone going into a kayak who never thought they would do that in their life.”

Mr Nelson said that, if core funding were found, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation could be set up to expand the work of BBEL and seek funding to employ a person with a disability to work with the group. More residential courses could also be organised, he added.

He said: “Our activities are generally over a four-hour period to which participants pay £20 per activity. Each session can be delivered to a maximum of 12 people, which helps towards the overall cost, which is usually between £300 and £350 per activity. This includes two instructors/leaders, all equipment and transportation to various venues.”

He said that core funding would be sought from sources such as the Big Lottery and East Lothian Council, highlighting the possibility of a public meeting being held in the future.

Michael O’Neill, who attended the taster event, said: “Had a brilliant day at the Lagoons. Hope we can get funding so we can have more days like that.”

Mr Nelson added: “It was very encouraging on the day to hear so many positive comments being made. The overall opinion is that these types of activities should be offered on a more regular basis.”

Mr Nelson can be contacted on 07805 126158 or by email at bbel1@btinternet.com