FARNHAM-based Post 19, which supports young adults with learning difficulties, would like to express sincere thanks to Children with Autism for a very generous donation of £14,000.

The money raised at a charity annual golf day was given to the organisation’s main headquarters Support 19, who will distribute a portion of this to Post 19.

The contribution will go towards the construction of a sensory room, plus other much-needed equipment and resources.

Post 19 was established to provide young adults with an alternative to traditional colleges and day care centres. Its programme of community activities encompasses life skills, leisure and social skills, including horticultural activities that are carried out in the local community.

Rob Power, director of Post 19, said: “We are unbelievably grateful. It’s a lot of money, we were really, really impressed. I went on the day and I had a fantastic time, and one of my young adults joined us as well which was brilliant, he did incredibly well. I was excellent.”

Former staff member of The Ridgeway Community School, which caters for children between the ages of two and 19 with severe and complex learning difficulties, Rob decided to set up his own business to further support those entering in adult life after The Ridgeway.

“We started with one and I think next year we will be working with approximately 60 to 70 young adults, and that’s been within four years.

“We decided to create a sort of training life skills organisation that can support them within county and support them with moving on. I don’t look at it like a job but as a lot of fun – it’s great here, these guys are fantastic.”

The organisation’s main objective is to get the individuals into supportive living whether or not that’s two years or five years, it will be a gradual process to move them on.

Rob believes the sensory room can be used as a “motivator” where individuals can chill-down and relax, by having 15 to 20 minutes of their own peace and quiet in a specific setting.

“It’s there to help our guys refocus themselves because everyone needs a break. It’s a great motivator for our guys and they really do enjoy those kind of environments, they can just tune out and it helps them with their day - everyone’s a winner,” he added.

“We are also looking at opening up a pop-up shop in Farnham, selling things we’ve made. We want a venue where our young people can work in and sell their own goods, these guys are incredibly creative, some of their artwork is mind-blowing.”

The team at Post 19 would like to thank everyone for their on-going help and support, as without them a lot of what they do wouldn’t be possible.

“Everyone is like a big family, everyone gets stuck in and supports and helps out. They are a dedicated bunch,” concluded Rob.