6:50am Sunday 7th February 2010
Joanna Kilvington met the staff at not-for-profit organisation Stepping On Out
Some might say Valentine’s Day is nothing more than a commercial event promoted by card companies, to make money.
And one card maker is certainly not denying that it would like to raise as much cash as possible from loved-up sweethearts.
But unlike others, Stepping On Out is a not-for-profit organisation run for and by people with learning difficulties.
And the group of eight are currently working flat out, as they prepare dozens of cards in time for February 14.
Project co-ordinator Alice Maslen said: “The more we sell, the more we raise.
“We want people to see how skilled the team all are. It’s not just a matter of sitting down making cards – they have to deal with running the business and sales.
“The most cards we’ve made in one day was 200, which was just before Christmas.
“We want to be known in the community, and find new outlets to sell our cards.”
Stepping On Out offers people with disabilities the chance to gain independence, away from college or a daycare environment, through making and selling greetings cards.
All of the team have other part-time jobs, where they are able to put the skills learned at the group into practice.
Stepping On Out’s marketing manager, John Bosher, who will be celebrating his 60th birthday in April, works part-time in the Cancer Research shop in Whitton.
And Anita Crofts, 37, has worked in the cafe at Squires Gardens Centre, in Twickenham, for six years, while her boyfriend and fellow Stepping On Out member Chris Wallis, 34, has been helping out with maintenance jobs at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, for 11 years.
Project worker Linda Geary said: “The team take money from customers, which allows them to learn about customer service.
“They use the computers and are doing their report on the charity at the moment.
“It’s about being in the community and learning and using everyday skills, such as taking the bus when we go out on visits.”
The organisation was set up in September 2004, as part of a business studies course run at Richmond Adult Community College (RACC).
Initially, the students sold cards at the college but, after discussions between them, RACC bosses and social services, it was decided to move the business into the community and re-form as a not-for-profit group.
Originally based at Teddington Baptist Church, Stepping On Out moved to its current location in Hampton Road, Twickenham, two years ago.
The group was supported in its move by the then mayor of Richmond, Councillor Marc Cranfield-Adams, who chose the organisation as one of his charities for his year as mayor, and opened the shop in January 2008.
The team now work in the shop on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, making, printing and selling their creations.
Mrs Geary said: “We’re hoping to expand in the next year or so.
“The problem is we can’t push out the walls.
“We’ve had people coming in from other areas who are interested in setting something similar up.
“We even had someone from Oxfordshire wanting to find out more.”
The group has already branched out from just selling cards, producing a calendar and wedding invitations, including the invitations for health and safety officer John Harrison, 49, who got married last year.
The group was also helped in its plans to expand, thanks to a grant of almost £4,000 from Richmond Council last month.
The money will be used to run photography sessions, where the group will be encouraged to get out and about in the community, taking pictures of landmarks around the borough for a new calendar.
Currently the cards are sold at the shop, online and in locations around the area, including Langton’s bookshop, in Twickenham, Richmond Information Centre, Richmond, and the Sunshine Cafe on Twickenham Riverside, which is run by people with learning difficulties.
Card sales are also held at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, where last week £42 was raised.
The cards come in two sizes, cost no more than £1.50 and are often very colourful.
Although not paid for their card-making, the group is taken out for a meal once a month, as a way of saying thank you.
They have also formed close friendships over the six years working together, and manage to get on regardless of any artistic differences.
Mr Harrison said: “It’s not only a business. We’re a team here.”
Valentine’s cards will be on sale on Monday at Richmond Town Hall and Regal House, London Road, Twickenham, from 10am to 2pm For more information and to buy cards, visit steppingonout.org.uk.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk