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About Spectrum People

Spectrum People is the independent charity (UK Registered Charity No 1152437) set up in February 2013 by Spectrum Community Health CIC.

After an initial 18 months, Spectrum People has developed and led many successful activities since 2015.

What we do

Spectrum People provides meaningful activities and support for vulnerable adults and young people across the Wakefield district, helping these individuals overcome the barriers in their lives. Working with partner organisations, our projects and events give access to:

Safe community spaces providing friendship and support eg Appletree Community Garden
Recreational activities aimed at building self-esteem, confidence, and life skills. These are geared to outdoor/green space and the arts
Support via Social Prescribing and Art Therapy
Information about wellbeing opportunities in the local area

Raising awareness

We are also committed to raising awareness of factors which affect social inclusion for vulnerable people and working together to help them overcome these challenges.

Individuals who would benefit from Spectrum People’s opportunities tend to be excluded from society as a result of:

Alcohol, drugs and other addictions
Unemployment
Financial hardship
Homelessness
Disability, and poor mental or physical health in general
Previous criminal convictions
Their personal, social and/or economic position
Any combination of the above
Anyone that feels they would benefit from meaningful activities.

Meaningful activities help improve wellbeing and therefore vulnerability. We aim to help individuals find and develop skills and experience, forming friendships to help them find new opportunities and strengthen their self-esteem.

The charity also aims to support the individual’s family and friend networks and help local communities recognise their strength, power and ability to support each other.

You can become involved in our work by volunteering or making a donation.

Spectrum People is governed by our Board of Trustees who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the charity. Spectrum People has strong team of dedicated volunteers and workers, who together aim to improve people’s lives.

Spectrum People opportunities

The charity currently offers a wide range of opportunities that beneficiaries can access on an ongoing basis.

Appletree Community Garden in Agbrigg, Wakefield
Art Therapy
Social Prescribing
Bespoke activities

Dawn Bland,
Campaigning Poet and Artist

Spectrum People have supported Dawn through the years and have had the pleasure to watch her grow into an inspiring person not just within our community but across the world. Dawn has now written 3 poetry books with the support of the charity, “Into the Dawn” (out of print), “Appletree: Sowing the seed of change in Agbrigg” and “2020: The Other Side”. Proceeds from the sale of these books are donated back to the charity by Dawn.

Into the Dawn

Spectrum People, Wakefield Baptist Church and CAP all supported Dawn in producing this book. It helped significantly with Dawn’s mental health issues; Dawn wrote it to help support other people. This book is now out of print.

Appletree: Sowing the seed of change in Agbrigg

2020: The Other Side

The third poetry book from Dawn Bland explores the ups and downs of 2020. A unique insight into the mind of Dawn Bland, linking with those most vulnerable during the first period of lockdown. 2020: The Other Side highlights harsh realities using poetry and art.