Nisa Local Deans Road in Wolverhampton has made a generous donation of £2,000 to Next Step West Midlands, a Community Interest Company that provides tailored support for people aged 16 and over with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.
The funding, made possible through Co-op Wholesale’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity, will go towards enhancing the organisation’s sensory spaces to make them more accessible, welcoming and inclusive.
Next Step West Midlands runs a 12-week person-centred programme of activities designed to maintain independence while helping participants learn valuable life skills. This includes support with personal care and day-to-day tasks, building confidence and self-advocacy, developing independent living skills, promoting healthy lifestyles, and encouraging social and recreational activities. The organisation also provides support and guidance to parents and carers.
Diane Littlehales, director at Next Step West Midlands, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Nisa Local Deans Road and MADL for this generous donation. Our sensory project will provide a safe, engaging space for our groups to enjoy, and this funding will help us make it more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Having the support of our local community means so much to us and to the families we work with.”
Store owner Chima added: “It was a real pleasure to meet some of the group in person and hear about the positive impact of Next Step West Midlands. We’re proud to support such an important local organisation, and through MADL we’ve now been able to donate over £4,000 to causes in Wolverhampton.”
Kate Carroll, social value lead at Co-op Wholesale, said: “This donation shows how independent retailers can make a meaningful difference in their communities, supporting projects that truly change lives.”
