Earlier this summer young people from our Co-operative (ad)Venture project created a pop up art gallery at Old Bank Residency in Central Manchester to raise money for local homeless charity the Booth Centre.

They also brought along homemade cakes and biscuits, as well as tea and coffee for all the guests that joined to peruse some of the brilliant pictures and paintings on display. 

The project equips young people with the skills needed to assist with the smooth transition from compulsory education to further education, training and employment and focuses on those with learning difficulties, disabilities and autism. We know that they often face a number of barriers when entering the world of work including:

• A poor level of understanding as to what people with a learning disability can do with the right support
• A lack of good quality support to get and maintain employment
• Outdated attitudes of employers

This unfairness is something we're determined to change, and we're thrilled to see some of the changes in those that have taken part including a new found confidence and a willingness to push themselves outside their comfort zone. The interactive sessions have taught them not only the importance of teamwork, but also why the co-operative values and principles are as applicable now as they've always been.

Take a look at the video below and hear the some of those involved as they explain the difference the project has made.

With over £60 raised and a whole lot of tea and coffee drunk, we can't wait to see what all the young people go on to do next!

Would you or anyone you know like to take part in our Co-operative Adventure Project, or could you help us spread the world? It's takes part across the whole of the UK - see below for more information.

Co-operative Adventure