A GROUP of adults with profound disabilities have made 100 sweet boxes for Christmas – and sold the lot.

The group of eight, who have profound and complex physical and learning disabilities, are part of the Spot sweetshop project at the Hollybank Trust in Mirfield.

Spot stands for Speech and Occupational Therapy. Those who take part are encouraged to achieve specific therapeutic aims through ‘shop’-based tasks and activities.

Rachel George, speech and language therapist at Hollybank Trust at Roe Head, explained that the adults are involved in the project from the planning stages through to delivery and sales.

She said: “We are a very democratic group and vote on everything.

“We decided what sort of sweets to put together in our boxes – choosing retro sweeties – to weighing and bagging them up.

“In doing these tasks, they are processing lots of different skills. We are keen to use this method as a way forward with therapy and make it a meaningful activity.

“It gives our young people and adults the chance to experience a real job.

“Everyone surprised us and delighted us with their talents. Watch out, Willy Wonka!”

The Spot shop began bagging up sweets two years ago, starting with bags, then moving onto jars and boxes, selling them at various fundraising events, including at a Huddersfield Town FC match.

Their stall was spotted last year by a bride-to-be, who commissioned the group to make 160 wedding favours for her 1950s-themed wedding.

The team were delighted to help and decorated jars to look like records, filled with old-fashioned sweets.

“They went to the wedding in Halifax to put out the favours and enjoy the ceremony.’’

Rachel added: “Seeing a work-based project through from an initial inquiry to an end result was a new experience for the majority of the team, and one which they are keen to repeat.

“The invitation to stay to watch the wedding ceremony was the icing on the cake.”

Anyone who is interested in commissioning future work projects from the Spot sweetshop or who would like to find out more about Spot, please send Rachel George an email to r.george@hollybanktrust.com