Leading Sefton adult social care provider New Directions has unveiled a new
creative hub for its service users from across the borough.

New Creations - based in premises on Dunningsbridge Road in Netherton -
brings together several of the organisation¹s creative workshops under one
roof.

As well as its general art and craft workshops the hub is the base for
activities which help people learn and develop sewing and embroidery skills,
or to acquire woodworking and joinery expertise.

The emphasis of the workshops - attended by people with physical
disabilities, learning disabilities or a mental health diagnosis - is on
practicality, using the skills acquired as a route to developing confidence
and gaining qualifications and employment.

Service users learn how to make a range of items, from bags and cushions to
bird boxes and planters, which are then sold, with all the proceeds ploughed
back into new resources for the workshops.

And as their skills levels increase they are also able to work on one-off
commissions, for example made-to-measure soft furnishing items and bespoke
curtain and garment alterations.

Products made by service users proved a big hit with visitors to the New
Directions stand at the recent Southport Flower Show, where the organisation
also landed a silver medal for its Lost Gardens of Atlantis show garden.

New Directions Chief Operating Officer, Penny Fell, commented: ³I am
delighted that the New Creations hub is now up and running, bringing several
of our creative workshops together in one place in more modern surroundings.

³These workshops produce some fantastic work, and people get a huge amount
of satisfaction seeing products that they have worked on attracting the
interest of so many customers.

³I am sure that the creative workshops will go from strength to strength in
their new location, and we are looking forward to showcasing their products
and services at next month's official launch event,² added Penny.

New Directions was established in Sefton in 2007 as the first local
authority social care trading company in the country.

Nine years on, the organisation remains at the forefront of the local care
sector, with a team of around 400 staff caring for older Sefton residents,
or people with disabilities or mental health support needs.

For more information about the services offered by New Directions, or to
find out about joining the team, ring 0151 934 3726 or visit
www.ndirections.co.uk.


New Directions service users from across Sefton and staff pictured at the
recently opened New Creations hub in Netherton.