When did you last have a memorable experience? What was it? A driving day, a spa session, a round of golf, a trip? How did it make you feel?

MacIntyre, a national charity with a centre in Oxford is holding an event to launch its inspiring new initiative for creative ways for businesses to support local adults with learning disabilities.

The Experience Tree provides people with learning disabilities in Oxfordshire with meaningful learning experiences. This helps them gain new skills, grow in confidence and partake in a valuable learning experience.

This new initiative won Locality Manager, Penny Canwell, The Care Innovator Award at the recent Great British South East Care Awards. Experiences which have already taken place include a behind the scenes tours at the Bicester distribution centre at DHL in Bicester; Hunts printers in Kidlington where a group was shown what happens in a high quality print business; and The New Theatre, where a group got dressed up and went on stage.

The Oxford Botanic Garden provided a number of annual passes and the learners have enjoyed drawing and photographing the flora. Oxford United Football Club has kindly offered stadium tours which will be taking place in the near future.

Other local charities are also involved including Free Cakes for Kids, Oxford. One learner has become a volunteer baker with the charity and regularly bakes cakes for deprived children around Oxford.

St Matthew’s Church have welcomed one learner as a volunteer at their weekly lunchtime drop in for people in need.

Project supporter and local law firm Morgan Cole LLP is hosting the free event at their offices in Botley from 4.30 to 6.30pm on May 31 as part of the ROBIN network, which links local businesses, public sector bodies and Oxfordshire’s voluntary organisations and community groups. Attendees will see examples of experiences that local businesses and charities are providing that are making real differences to the learners — and to the businesses providing these opportunities Some of these experiences have also developed into valuable work placements. The Oxford Playhouse provides a monthly supervised maintenance work placement to one learner and learners carry out general office duties at Morgan Cole on a regular basis.Perhaps you could offer an experience too? Booking is essential via ian.emery@morgan-cole.com as places are limited.