Light for Life
Light for Life is a foundation that improves the life of the less physically able by encouraging people in Bulgaria to see them as integrated and valued members of society. It achieves this by meeting their physical, psychological and spiritual needs.
In only 3 years it has:
Grown to employ 5 staff and a volunteer base of 25 treating up to 65 patients at any one time with more on a waiting list.
Been recognised by the Bulgarian Government, including the Minister and Deputy Minister of Social Policy and the Deputy Prime Minister. The foundation also has the support of the British Ambassador.
Developed close links with one home for disabled adults (Dolno Draglishte); for instance:
The director reports that a 3 day visit from the team has a 3 week effect on the atmosphere in the home.
The home is much brighter.
The Foundation are training girls from a local special needs boarding school to become carers for the residents at Dolno Draglishte.
As well as financial support we help in other ways - the residents were very pleased with the postcards sent by our Youth Group, which now decorate the walls.
Produced Bulgaria's first lightweight wheelchair.
Run nation wide training programmes for disabled people to learn wheelchair skills.
Distributed much needed wheelchairs and other equipment.
Acquired a wheelchair adapted minibus enabling the team to take people out of the home, many for the first time.
Contributed towards an EU report on disability in Bulgaria.
All this empowers people with disabilities - facilitating their independence.
Plans for the future include:
A community centre in Sofia where people can receive therapy and learn skills.
Establishing an NVQ style training in care assisting.
A wheelchair workshop which will eventually produce 50 wheelchairs a month.
Developing training programmes.
Further adaptions and improvements to living conditions at Dolno Draglishte.