Cheshire home needs your support
Situated in Wentworth, the home's objective is to work in partnership with people with disabilities to provide residential accommodation and services that promote independent living and the pursuit of personal aspirations.
THINK about the things you’ve done today. Perhaps you went for a jog, ran some errands, or prepared a meal. These simple daily tasks can become more challenging or even impossible for people with disabilities. This is where guardian angels such as those of the Merewent Cheshire Home come in, ever ready to help and care for the disabled who enter their doors with the warmest of welcomes.
With November being National Disability Rights Awareness month, the management team, the caregivers of the home, together with the board of management and chairperson, Quinton Manto, sought to reach out to the local community which is largely unaware and misinformed about the selfless acts they do which become the basis of their work and passion in caring for the disabled.
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“Our mission is to assist people with disabilities throughout the world, regardless of their colour, race or creed, by providing the conditions necessary for their physical, mental and spiritual well-being. We believe that each person, whatever his or her disability, is a uniquely valuable individual and that people with disabilities should have the personal freedom to pursue their aspirations and take their own place in the world. Our aim is to offer to those with disabilities recognition of their full human rights, standards of excellence in all aspects of care from both staff and volunteers, the support of a forward-looking and responsive organisation, aware of their needs and of those of their caregivers, the opportunity to take an effective part at every level in running our services and partnership in a continuing endeavour to help others, whatever the need may be, in the field of disability,” said Quinton.
Situated in Wentworth, the home’s objective is to work in partnership with people with disabilities to provide residential accommodation and services that promote independent living and the pursuit of personal aspirations. Merewent Cheshire Home also aims to initiate projects that address social and economic inequalities, thereby alleviating poverty and facilitating the social integration of people with disabilities into mainstream society.
Living with a disability is no easy task. The needs of disabled individuals may fluctuate throughout their lifespan and may involve emotional, social, and financial issues. The home is part of Cheshire South Africa and is home to 33 residents with some quadriplegic, some bed-bound, some in this condition from birth, some from accidents. Funding comes from the Department of Social Development, Lotto as well as donations from corporate and community generosity. Its future does, however, hangs in the balance with their funds now running at their lowest and the possibility of closing down in the next seven to eight months.
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“Very few people in the surrounding communities realise that this facility exists. In order to provide the best possible service and care to our residents and keep our doors open, we require the support of our communities through volunteers, donations and funding.”
“Most families our residents cannot afford to pay for their loved ones’ stay at the home, nevertheless come to visit them,” said Quinton, who said that they did make efforts to reach out to the community by hosting a fun day earlier in the year, however, and to their disappointment no one showed up.
The home makes a kind appeal for adult nappies, essential hospital supplies, a commode, food, used clothes in good condition and Christmas donations. “We are also asking for companies or individuals, who are able to assist with funding to consider the home in their planning.”
To donate or for more information contact the home on 031-468-1667 / 031-468-3682 or email Merewentcheshire@gmail.com. If you wish to contact the chairman Quinton Manto call 082 339 6317 or quintonmanto58@gmail.com.
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