About Us - Kastle Krafts

			In 1991 a group of concerned carers of disabled people along with local businessmen came together to form the Committee of Glenshane Care Association. An apparent disproportionately high level of disability in the Dungiven area coupled with the fact that many people were travelling a circuitous route to Derry or Limavady to access day care, (with the associated fatigue negating the benefits of the service), were key factors leading to the formation of the association. The project aims to help disabled people gain a level of independence which will empower them to have more control over their lives. This is done through offering a wide range of activities, occupational, recreational and therapeutic, covering a wide range of interests.
	Kastle Krafts is a craft/sow & grow outlet based at Glenshane Care Centre. The business is based on two dimensions. The first dimension involves the creation and manufacturing of crafts by disabled people and the second dimension involves the production and sale of plants, shrubs and trees. The crafts made consist of various items such as chairs, stools, leatherwork, pots, photoframes and many other pieces of crafts. The sow and grow element produces items such as hanging baskets, tubs, window boxes and patio containers as well as the propagation and growth of a wide variety of plants, shrubs and trees.
			The Kastle Krafts project is not a profit taking venture, any profits made from the sale of items produced will be ploughed back into the business to enable it to grow or to underpin the costs involved in the running of the Day Care Centre. The business is based on a participative model in that people with disabilities are involved not only in the production and manufacture of the produce but also on the management team. The current Chair and Secretary of Kastle Krafts are both members with a disability. Regular meetings are held with all members where ideas are exchanged and all aspects of the business are discussed.


	Sean Murphy Chairperson		Paul McCloskey Secretary