Gully’s Days Out

Albion in the Community and American Express announce summer programme for local disabled groups

Albion in the Community and American Express have announced details of this summer’s Gully’s Days Out programme which will see over 250 local disabled young people and adults take part in free activities with their families at attractions in Brighton and Hove and across Sussex.

The initiative, launched in 2011, works with both special needs schools and special education needs departments of mainstream schools across the county to give pupils the opportunity to take part in the trips which are supervised by American Express volunteers. The volunteers are given specialist training by staff from AITC’s disability department and over 50 American Express staff have taken part in the project since it began.

This year’s summer programme, which is supported by 24 local leisure attractions, includes days out at the iconic Brighton Wheel and trips to Arundel Wetlands and Blackberry Farm in Lewes. The participating leisure attractions provide free admission for Gully’s Days Out groups as part of their involvement in the project.

Nikki Richardson Head of Disability, Albion in the Community commented:
“The project has grown year on year thanks to the support of local partners and the phenomenal commitment of the volunteers from American Express. As a result, this year, we are able to offer more visits than ever to young people and their families.”

Ivan Mainprize, Vice President, American Express added: “Our employees at American Express are proud to partner with Albion in the Community on the Gully’s Day Out programme, working alongside their staff to ensure fun days out for local young people and adults with disabilities.

By also undertaking disability awareness training, our employees gain a clear understanding of the unique challenges faced by disabled people in our community.”

The Gully’s Days Out initiative is part of a joint Albion in the Community and American Express community programme, which saw over 700 American Express volunteers work across six community projects during 2012.