by Rebecca Vaughan, Job Coach
On Friday 7 June, students from MacIntyre No Limits™ at Flackwell Heath held a car wash as part of our drive (pardon the pun!) to promote employability skills for young people with special educational needs, at the same time as providing a service to the local community.
The initial idea
The idea for a car wash came from a student, Rishi, several months ago when we sat down together to bounce around some options for how young people could use their skills and learn at the same time. I was able to help him bring his idea to life, but Rishi himself promoted his ideas and worked to get as many of his fellow students involved as possible, showing real leadership skills.
Community connections
One of our challenges was where to hold the Car Wash. We had made some great connections locally and were delighted and grateful when we were given space at the local Wrights Meadow Centre in High Wycombe.
An amazing success
We were all so happy with the Car Wash, it was a fantastic success! Many locals who had been unfamiliar with the community centre expressed an interest in visiting more often, so the community centre benefited as well, which is wonderful. We were so busy we had to turn people away.
I saw the advert on Facebook. I looked up MacIntyre - what a wonderful charity. I only wish I got here sooner! You will have to come back again and I will get here early to get my car washed.
- Local resident
We raised a grand total of £103.00, which is fantastic considering we only charged £5 per car, with a slight increase for vans. The students really enjoyed themselves and are eager to do another day. They were able to demonstrate their skills for everyone’s benefit, and learned a lot at the same time.
Let’s do it again!
One of the people whose car we washed is a trustee for the community centre, as well as being a local ex-mayor. Together with the community centre manager, they have offered us another date, as our activity helps the centre turn their quiet Fridays into busy ones.
Customers were happy
We had some great comments from our customers:
What a fantastic set up, the students have done brilliant. I was driving by and saw cars being washed. Are the students going to be here often, my wife and son will get their cars washed next time? My car never looked so clean!
- Chance passer-by
The young man, tall with dark hair - wasn’t he brilliant! I was watching him and he did not stop, showed good skills and polishing. He did fantastic, my car shines.
- Local resident
I am thrilled to see the student do so well, I normally visit the community centre on Tuesdays I think it is marvellous to see the students here they bring so much joy to us all.
- Regular visitor
Students showcased their skills
And the students themselves had this to say:
I enjoyed myself I want to help again next time.
- Rodrigo
I liked cleaning the car. It’s like cleaning Mum and Dad’s car.
- William
It was really good to talk with the customers and learn about money, I need to learn my money skills this has really helped me.
- Zeeshan
The Car Wash was brilliant, I really enjoyed myself, and I would help clean cars every Friday.
- David
(David was the last student to leave. He stayed and helped clean the last customer’s car before we had to finish and the community centre was closing.)
This whole venture ensured that the students really felt seen and part of their community.
What’s next?
More news on the next car wash date soon.
Meanwhile, we’ve been in talks with the local Fire Station about other opportunities. They expressed interest in getting involved and have set up a meeting with the Blue Watch team, who will come by and help us. In return, our students will join their charity car wash day later on in the year to support them.
We’ll keep you posted!
