About Us
Options for Life is a not for profit charity which supports and enables people with learning disabilities and/or autism to fulfil their potential and live a full and happy life within their community.
We focus on building open relationships based on mutual respect, giving our participants the opportunity to develop preferences and make choices in a safe, welcoming environment. This is delivered through our day opportunities outreach service, building based and PMLD services.
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![Mandy Critch with a participant at Acorn Lodge](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f9a7fc_236cadb6797343a6a1fd8e2fecd990bc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_376,h_283,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/About%20us_JPG.jpg)
Our History
The charity was founded in 1988 by a group of volunteers in Oldbury, West Midlands. The original vision, which still holds true today, was to establish a project which would enable people with a learning disabilities and/or autism to develop skills and be treated with value and dignity in the community.
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The organisation began with funding of just £18,000 a year for three years from the Opportunities for Volunteers scheme, and an increasing number of weekly sessions were developed.
Today the charity has an annual budget of £1.7 million, with over 65 staff.
![BBQ at Options for Life](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f9a7fc_125b93e65e634cea8d0c947df3c8c1d2~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_393,h_294,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Street-Fayre---Burgers.jpg)