A Macclesfield charity is celebrating having just received a whopping £69,910.

Speaking Up Speaking Out (SUSO), which is turning 20 years old next year, was presented a cheque by Macclesfield MP David Rutley.

The cash came from Westminster, as part of the government's Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund (CCLF).

The Conservative MP met with Jill Schofield, Chief Officer, to discuss how the funding will support the charities work with its adult members.   

Since its creation in 2005, SUSO, which is now situated in The Heritage Centre on Roe Street, supports adults with learning disabilities and autism and has over 120 regular members.

The charity has a wide range of training courses and activities on offer each week and they have all been developed to help adults of all ages lead independent and fulfilling lives. 

Ms Schofield outlined to David some of the courses on offer, including healthy eating, travel safety, gardening and Makaton, which is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate.

The group has also taken part in day trips to the cinema and Blackpool, alongside fun activities including arts and crafts, a pub quiz and karaoke. 

Macclesfield's MP for the last 14 years, was pleased to hear that the funding will be used to continue the engaging learning experiences for SUSO's members, as well as continuing the partnership working the charity has developed.

The Community Connect initiative works with other local charities such as Space4Autism and Time Out.

Ms Schofield also highlighted that SUSO holds regular 'Speak Out' meetings to advocate for the learning-disabled community and raise awareness of the abilities and needs of people with learning disabilities.

David was informed that four of SUSO's members are currently undertaking their trainer qualification to support other learning-disabled adults. 

SUSO Chair, Jill Schofield commented, "We are delighted to receive the CCLF funding from the Government, it will allow our dedicated team to continue to do their brilliant work to support our cherished members. At SUSO we care about each and every one of our members and welcome any adults with a Learning disability/Autism to join us and become a part of our family." 

Speaking after the visit, David said "I have worked with SUSO for many years, and it is good to see the positive progress they have made since their move into the Heritage Centre."

"The wide range of activities and training courses on offer allows SUSO members to access a number of important skills, which can be further developed as they continue to take part in the charity's vibrant and active programme." 

More information about SUSO and how to support their work can be found by using the following link, www.maccsuso.org.uk. 

You can give them a ring on 01625 424717.