'IT'S so important that we continue this — we won't be beaten' — that's the resolution at Okehampton's Puzzletree drop-in centre, as the service for people with learning disabilities seeks new funding. The service, run from Okehampton's table-tennis club was set up in 2002, when Devon County Council ceased to fund daytime provisions for more able adults with learning disabilities, or those living in residential centres. The drop-in service was given start-up funding for six months. It has managed to eke out the money 21 for months — but the money is finally running out. A grant from Okehampton Town Council will keep the centre afloat for around another six weeks — but other more long-term sources of funding are urgently needed Tracey Seymour, who runs the daycare side of Puzzletree said they were determined to continue providing a service for people who need only occasional help: 'It's really important for people with learning disabilities to have continuity,' she said. 'It gives them more confidence just knowing we're here and can help, even if they only pop in once a week. Lynda Fehim who jointly co-ordinates the drop-in service with Penny Marten-Smith said: 'Most of our work is to do with providing information and pointing people in the right direction — helping them find out how to do things for themselves. 'We have every leaflet under the sun here, and we have lots of contacts in the area. If somebody wants to go horseriding, we'll be able to recommend a stable that has ramps and is used to teaching people with learning difficulties. We might call and book a lesson for the person too.' Often the things people need advice about or help with are very simple, everyday needs. 'If people have a problem at home, we can help them to call for a plumber or an electrician,' Lynda said. 'One man hadn't been to the cinema since 1950 and really wanted to go again. We were able to give him programmes for the new cinema and put him in touch with another person, who could take him.' Tracey said the centre provided an important information service even for people living in a residential facility. One of the centre's recent initiatives has been to arrange for people with learning difficulties to be included in the 'walk and talk' events running from Okehampton. Now some of them are even training to become supporters on the walks. Their most recent Puzzletree scheme is to issue people with learning difficulties with cards, featuring the centre's phone number, so that they can provide back-up help in case of difficulties or misunderstandings around the town. They are also keen to involve local shops in this scheme to provide a safety net for people with learning disabilities. Lynda said if shops displayed a Puzzletree sticker in their window, it would reassure anyone with learning disabilities wanting to shop there — and if they had problems, the shop will be able to call Puzzletree for help. For more information, call Lynda or Tracey on 01837 659796.
