Local adults with learning disability excited to lead on innovative project

A group of adults with a learning disability in Stirling are leading on an innovative project that will equip them with new skills and help them raise funds to buy an electric tandem bike.

Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 22 March 2025 16:29

The cohort, who attend the Stirling Council-operated Riverbank Centre and Streets Ahead Service, have successfully applied to be part of Project Empower.

This initiative allows people to kick-start their entrepreneurial journey, gain valuable skills and boost their prospects whilst raising awareness for World Down Syndrome Day on Friday 21 March.

It is run by Stand Out Socks, a company dedicated to offering paid, meaningful employment to people with learning disabilities. Successful applicants receive 100 pairs of bold and colourful socks to sell – they decide the prices, who and where to sell to and lead on marketing and promotion.

Along with raising funds to buy the bike for service users, the project will allow the group to engage with the local community and raise awareness of the lives of people with learning disabilities and Down Syndrome, in particular.

Cllr David Wilson, Chair of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire Health and Social Care Partnership Integrated Joint Board, said: “This is a fantastic initiative that will deliver a wide range of lifelong skills to our participants and a new electric bike that service users will be able to enjoy.

“It builds on the great work at the Riverbank Centre and the Streets Ahead Service that promotes the independence of adult services users, encourages personal development and involves them in community life.

“It’s a fitting story to mark World Down Syndrome Day which is an opportunity to highlight the importance of people with Down Syndrome getting the supports they need, to live independent lives, have a job and make important decisions about their lives.”

The purpose-built Riverbank Centre and Streets Ahead Services are part of the Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health & Social Care Partnership, and are operated by Stirling Council. Run by specialised staff, they provide a range of day service opportunities for adults who are 18 years and over with a learning disability across Stirling.

For more information, visit: www.stirling.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/support-centres-and-services/support-for-learning-disabilities-and-adult-day-support

Pictured L-R are service users Jamie, Lewis and Ryan who are looking forward to working with their friends Taylor, Alexander, Kevin, Peter and Angela on the project.

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Local adults with learning disability excited to lead on innovative project

A group of adults with a learning disability in Stirling are leading on an innovative project that will equip them with new skills and help them raise funds to buy an electric tandem bike.

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