Chrysalis began life as SMILE, or Solway Mencap Initiative for Leisure and Employment. Thought up by Solway Mencap in July 1984, the executive team saw a need for people with disabilities to stay in their own communities for day provision. At that time, families were having to travel long distances to find support and opportunities. And so, a community project was born.

The name “SMILE” was first adopted in 1986 when there was just one member of staff supporting 3 young adults. At this time, all funding came from the Manpower Services Commission and a range of local charitable sources. Growth was quick - showing a real need for the service - and by 1988 5 staff were employed to support 15 people.

It wasn’t much later that Cumbria Social Services recognised the value of the scheme and provided important temporary funding. This was followed by a more secure three-year agreement in 1989.

After 10 years of providing support in the community, in 1996 SMILE officially became a charity and changed its name to Chrysalis. Just two years later, management of the service became the full responsibility of Chrysalis.

Since then, it’s been onwards and upwards. We’ve grown at a steady pace, now supporting over 80 people and providing a wide range of support and activities. These include sports, day trips, creative arts, horticulture, independent living skills, employability support, and 24hr supported living.

We are now the go-to people for support and advice in the area, and we receive daily enquiries from social workers, local authorities, families, and adults with learning difficulties. We are proud to be able to offer helpful advice and bespoke support as well as opportunities that once simply weren’t available in this region.

We need to continue developing so that we can provide modern opportunities and relevant skills and experiences. There are a number of exciting plans for the future, including an online shop, more activities, and the opening of an additional enterprise. Some of these might happen soon, and others are further in the future, but we’re excited about what we can achieve.

Ultimately, though, we will continue to offer choice and opportunity where and how it is needed.

We’re proud of our hard-working staff team who help make everything happen here at Chrysalis.
If you’re interested in joining them, take a look at our job opportunities.