The Work of Midstream
Midstream offers 'hands on' work activity and quality training, in a caring, supportive environment, for young persons and adults who have special needs. The charity creates trading and business links at the same time as helping the environment.
Unique Support
Midstream offers unique support for those disadvantaged through learning difficulties, physical and mental disabilities or other special needs to allow them to make their contribution in the world of work and across the whole community.
The company was founded and awarded charity status in 1995 by a special needs teacher who was also a parent carer. 31 year old Michael with Downs Syndrome came home from a traditional day care centre one day saying "Mum, why can I not go to work like my brother Andrew?"
Following intensive market research, it became clear that many young people and adults with special needs, through no fault of their own, stand in danger of being excluded from the labour market, training and society at large. Quite often, traditional training courses and establishments are inappropriate for their complex needs.
From a six and a half acre site in Skelemersdale, West Lancashire, Midstream offers an alternative. Through training, work activity and placements, it provides opportunities appropriate to the individual needs and skills of the people involved. Midstream allows people to progress at their own pace. Over a period of time, many progress into employment.
People with very significant disabilities are offered more long term project based work activity or training which enables them to develop to their maximum potential and make an equal contribution within Midstream.
The whole focus of Midstream is to give these young people and adults the opportunity for progression in their working life through the acquisition of skills, experience and accreditations towards nationally recognised qualifications according to their individual needs.
Wildlife Area
An attractive, educational 'oasis' for groups of local primary school children and visiting environmental enthusiasts.
Garden Centre Retail Outlet and Garden Maintenance Service
Two popular commercial facilities available to the general public. Midstream's onsite garden centre retail outlet is well stocked to supply shrubs, plants, houseplants, hanging baskets, garden furniture, fencing and other quality goods at competitive prices. Midstream also provide general garden maintenance services within the community. Other commercial projects are considered as appropriate.
