Leonard Cheshire Disability is a disability charity that has been operating for over 65 years. We support over 21,000 people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and long-term health conditions in the UK providing innovative services that give people with disabilities the opportunity to live a life without barriers. We believe that people with disabilities should have the freedom to live their lives the way they choose, and the needs and aspirations of people with disabilities are at the heart of what we do. Marske Hall is a Grade A historic Hall with nursing care which for 48 years has supported 30 adults with disabilities. Set in the center of a busy seaside town, the hall is within easy walking distance of all amenities including houses, community facilities and local shops. Volunteers are encouraged to take advantage of this location and become active citizens in the local community by involving themselves in local sports teams, luncheon clubs, bowling and community activities. The objective of our project is to empower and enable people with disabilities to access social, leisure and employment activities in Redcar. Our EVS volunteers support our staff teams in developing and delivering a diverse, interesting and progressive activity programme for our residents. The presence of the EVS volunteers at Marske Hall enables the residents to access community services and social opportunities on a regular basis which improves their confidence, independence and quality of life. Due to the nature of the volunteer role, hours of work are flexible and some weekend/evening work is often required. Through working closely with staff and residents, the EVS volunteers will establish meaningful relationships while gaining an insight into disability care and campaigns in the UK as well as learning valuable skills which in the past has led to employment and study opportunities. The EVS volunteers at Marske Hall are welcomed into and work within a driven and enabling team. The volunteers receive support, training and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator as well as daily support and mentoring from the activity staff. Marske Hall has the capacity to host 2 EVS volunteers. Being an equal opportunities employer, we aim to achieve a good mix of different nationalities, gender and ability. EVS volunteers have a genuine interest and passion for working with people with disabilities. Most volunteers have volunteer or study experience in a similar sector or personal experiences providing support to family or friends and want to learn more. As we work with vulnerable adults, we need to ensure that we select volunteers that have a good command of English and are kind, patient and compassionate. Through the placements the volunteers gain experience and understanding of working within the disability care sector as well as exploring English customs, culture, language, nature and places of interest. This has a great impact on volunteers as it will challenge views and perceptions volunteers may have prior to their placements in regards to social equality and equal opportunities as well as foster affinity across culture and abilities. The enthusiasm and additional support the volunteers bring into the activity room and the daily lives of the residents are invaluable and have a positive and long-lasting effect on the residents. When residents are able to take part in the local community they become more confident and fulfilled human beings, and their presence in the everyday life of fellow citizens will challenge the often negative perceptions of people with disabilities. In addition, the ideas and skills that volunteers share with our staff will continue to enhance the activities after they leave which will allow the impact of the volunteers to carry on after their departure. Leonard Cheshire Disability is a huge supporter of the EVS programme due to the massive flow on effects this program has for our residents, local communities we work with, staff and our volunteers. We have witnessed improved confidence of our residents, extended and varied activities programmes, increased leadership skills among staff members as well as strong connections and friendships between our care homes and people all over Europe. EVS opens a dialogue between young people from different countries about how different societies and cultures view people with disabilities and work towards LCD's goal of challenging perceptions of disability internationally.