Background and History

The journey so far

In 1994, I volunteered to support someone with a Learning Difficulty to go to an Art Group. I had no art experience and no experience with People with Learning Difficulties.

Well, I became attached to this guy. I was then asked to help with a Pilot Scheme at a small busy community centre in Greystones to provide activities for people with learning difficulties.

We ran for six Fridays. Then I had a long summer holiday. In September we ran a second pilot for 2 days a week until Christmas.

The following year we started again. At about the same time and unconnected to us, The Burton Street Project started.

Burton Street had a dancing school and community groups and had also started accredited training services for people with Learning Difficulties, in conjunction with local colleges.

We then decided to run services at Burton Street as well as continuing at Greystones.

Years later, The Burton Street Foundation is a thriving centre for people with learning difficulties, with several successful projects offering a wide range of services.  In 2007, I was asked to take over as Senior Manager, which meant managing all of the services for people with learning difficulties at Burton Street. In 2011 with a very creative and dedicated staff team, the services now continue to expand and develop.

Glyn Mansell
Senior Manager