A new charity set up in memory of 13-year-old Ramsgate schoolboy Sammy Alban-Stanley will be running a scheme to teach heritage craft skills to young adults with complex neurological conditions so they can become “a new generation of master artisans.”
Sammy fell from cliffs at Ramsgate in April 2020 after climbing over the railings. Emergency services were called and he was flown to King’s College Hospital but he died of his injuries four days later.
Sammy was autistic and lived with Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic condition that causes physical symptoms, learning difficulties and behavioural problems. For Sammy this included high risk behaviour that would result in self-harm and previous life risk incidents.
During an inquest into Sammy’s death, assistant coroner Catherine Wood said there was a clear failure in what was provided by Kent County Council to Sammy’s family to help with his care. A Prevention of Future Deaths report was issued by assistant coroner Catherine Wood following those failures in care that led to Sammy’s death.
Despite life challenges Sammy was a kind, gentle and creative boy who enjoyed hobbies including piano, carpentry, upholstery and horse-riding. He was well known and popular in the Ramsgate community.
Sammy had also been a talented craftsman with particular skills in upholstery and carpentry and the aim of charity Sammy’s Foundation is to deliver high-quality professional training in valuable heritage crafts to other young people, like Sammy, who are born with neurological conditions.
Mum Patricia, who is an upholsterer, said: “Sammy found working with his hands invigorating, satisfying, and calming. He became skilled particularly in woodwork and upholstery techniques and demonstrated a focus, dedication and expertise that was extraordinary.
“My hope is that I can help others like him with workshop-based assisted placements, using a tailored approach unique to each individual in a mindfulness-based setting.
“I have already acquired the support of key people and organisations in the heritage arts field, as well as high-profile activists and creative arts leaders.”
My sweet Sammy has left
this world but please support
“Sammy’s Foundation” and
join us in this journey of
change and hope for others. Thankyou to everybody who has donated so far. Your help is making such a difference. 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/zgu78fYcNc— Patricia Alban (@PAlbanStanley) July 14, 2024
Patricia has enlisted the help of craftsmen including Stewart Kemp, a French polisher and furniture restorer, carpenter, leather restorer and upholsterer, who has worked at Claridge’s and the Royal Garden Hotel at Kensington.
Patricia has also been to schools including Stone Bay – where 1-1 sessions kicked off with young student Kyle guided by Stewart- and Small Haven where youngsters were given group taster sessions.
Interest in the project has also been expressed for Laleham Gap School.
During the session at Stone Bay School, Kyle completed skills from wood staining to French polishing.
Patricia said: “Kyle concentrated for almost three hours and he followed Stewart’s instructions so well. Everyone was blown away.”
Stone Bay assistant headteacher Lou Scott, who is leading on the work with Sammy’s Foundation, added: “We had one student take part who has a passion for art and crafts. He is a young man with autism and he engaged really well and worked with Stewart undertaking French polishing. He was totally enthralled and followed instructions even though there were a lot of people in the room.
“From September we will be looking to do more work with (Sammy’s Foundation) and Kyle is going to be taken to London for the launch of the foundation. It was really positive and worked brilliantly.
“There are more young people at the school who will be able to access the things on offer, opening up lots of choices and opportunities for them. It is really exciting.”
The foundation plans have three strands – group sessions for younger children; one to one work with young people primarily aged 16-25 and the sale of their finished products at auction, with the first scheduled for December when Sammy would have turned 18.
Patricia says the stepping stone courses will hopefully lead to an accredited programme that can be rolled out nationally.
She added: “The other pathway will be where young people can focus on one skill. Some people on the autistic spectrum enjoy focusing on one thing and becoming very good at that. They can then carry those component parts into industries that others aren’t doing.”
Retaining heritage crafts such as French polishing, upholstery, leather work, carpentry and passementerie – making elaborate trimmings such as tassels, braids, gold or silver cord, fringing or edgings- is another mission for the foundation.
Patricia says the aim is not to just keep people busy but to nurture skills that will help the young people find a valuable place in a world and a possible career path.
She says: “Sammy’s Foundation is looking to deliver high-quality professional training. We are not teaching heritage crafts as hobbies. We want to provide young people with a professional skillset, and have them engage in professional work from the outset.
“What we are offering is an apprenticeship scheme aimed at a very specific, and underserved, group of young adults.
“There is a significant gap in the market for bespoke craft items, causing many UK-based interior designers to source them from overseas. We believe that training a new generation of master artisans could support growth in the craft sector, increasing wider market interest.
“Interior designers, furniture makers, and other market participants would have access to high-quality, locally produced, bespoke craft that did not have to be shipped internationally; the young people we work with would have access to commercially viable careers.
“I believe it is critically important for disabled young people to develop purposeful lives and remain in their local communities with their families. Sammy’s Foundation provides an opportunity to help accomplish both of these things.”
Sammy’s Foundation is currently fundraising to set up the charity and fund the pilot scheme.
