STAFF at Rumwell Farm Shop on the A38 between Wellington and Taunton have chosen to support a charity that helps disabled people and carers to have independence.

The shop has selected Compass Disability Services in Taunton as one of its charities of the year and will be fundraising for it in a number of ways.

Anne Mitchell, joint owner of the farm shop, said: “The charity undertakes valuable work, helping not only disabled people and carers to have independence, choice and control over their life, but also working with all members of the community to tackle the effects of isolation and loneliness by delivering activities and services that are fully inclusive, helping all ages and abilities to integrate, share experiences, and live the life that they desire.

“Throughout the year we’ll be raising awareness of the wonderful work it does and donating 10p per pack from every sale of Bon Bons Sea Salt Caramel Fudge to the charity. We’ll also be hosting some fundraising events and hope to raise at least £2,000 for the organisation.”

Compass Disability Services is a user-led charity and its board of trustees is comprised of at least 80 per cent disabled individuals. The charity has adopted the Social Model of Disability as a way of working to remove barriers which exclude disabled people from equality of opportunity.

It also runs Compass Wellbeing, which is the first dedicated, fully-inclusive wellbeing centre in Taunton. It aims to offer a wide range of activities, therapies and experiences that benefit members of the community, promote integration and tackles the problems caused by isolation, exclusion and loneliness.

While the charity has a background in working with disabled people, the wellbeing centre is open to people of all ages and abilities and boasts a cafe, garden, hydro pool and sensory room.

Michelle Edwards, operations manager at Compass Disability Services, said: “We’re over the moon to have been chosen as one of Rumwell’s charities of the year. The much-needed funds will help us to deliver some great activities at Compass Wellbeing, where all ages, from birth to 100, are catered for.

“These activities include our stay and play toddler sessions, our ‘Anything but Ordinary’ disco and social club for adults with learning disabilities and the deaf cafe, which provides a safe and welcoming space where customers can meet with friends, make new friends and enjoy activities that they choose to enhance their quality of life.”

“We are excited to be working with such a well-respected local business which can also help to raise awareness of the activities and services that we provide.”

In the picture (from left) Laura Sanders, Project & Administrator at Compass Disability Services and Anne Mitchell, Joint Owner of Rumwell Farm Shop celebrate their new relationship.