'Fantasy' A Learning Disabilities Project

The VC Gallery celebrates after receiving funding from South Hook LNG Community Fund for their Learning Disability Art project called 

 ‘Fantasy World.’ 

Local charity The VC Gallery, is delighted to have been awarded these funds via the South Hook LNG Community Fund, in partnership with Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) to support its work within the Learning Disability community. The group, based in our Pembroke Dock site will use the money to provide an Art project called ‘Fantasy World’ to people with Learning disabilities via a team of people with Learning disabilities themselves and an Art facilitator. 

The VC Gallery has been running since 2013 and now has staff and many volunteers.  It was founded by Barry John MBE after a career in the Army, he recognised that ex forces members needed help transitioning back to civilian life.  

The charity now runs daily Art activities, for both the veterans and the wider community empowering people to have a go, become artists and even facilitators. This project works towards delivery by a team of talented artists with Learning Disabilities to create pieces of art based on their fantasy world ideas.  

Barry John founder says: “We’re delighted that South Hook LNG Community Fund in partnership with PAVS have recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to the funding we will be able to press on with our third Learning Disability specific project based in Pembroke Dock, bringing organisations and our members together via an art project. This is important because it gives individuals with Learning Disabilities a chance to express themselves through art in a safe, warm, and welcoming environment. It will also allow individuals with Learning disabilities to manage the project themselves, encouraging the values set out in the West Wales Learning Disability charter”. 

Amy, Volunteer with Learning Disabilities says ‘happy to have another project specifically for Learning Disabilities. I enjoy helping others with Learning Disabilities as I have them myself and I understand how others feel and learn, this makes me happy to give my skills to others’.