For this blog series, we invited people who draw on care and support – who are also members of National Co-production Advisory Group – to reflect on the Making It Real statements.
In this blog, Jacqui Darlington reflects on the statement ‘I can meet people who share my interests and have the opportunity to join and participate in a range of groups’, sharing what it means for her son Joshua.
Why is this statement important to Joshua?
Joshua is 32, he has Down syndrome, autism and very little speech. We live in Rutland, which is a very rural part of the country and I think it’s important that he gets out and socialises, otherwise he’s just stuck in his bedroom on his computer.
Through participating in group activities and meeting people who share his interests, he is mixing with others and building connections, which has a positive impact on his mental health. He is also learning how others communicate. Part of this is learning how to have patience with others, which can help them have patience with him.
Can you think of a time that you’ve felt this statement was really true for Joshua in his life?
I got together with a couple of other mums, and we formed a group called the Out of Hours Club Rutland. The group organises regular social events at the local pub and outings to the cinema, along with other activities including trampolining, theatre trips and bowling. As well as the social aspect, this group also encourages independence. For example, at the pub, there’s a leader nearby, but the group members go to the bar, order their own drinks and meals, and pay with their own money.
As young people themselves, the group leaders have a good understanding of which activities might be interesting and this means they can organise appealing, age-appropriate outings. They also make these decisions with other group members. I’ve heard them having lovely conversations about which films to see and what to do.
As time has gone on, some of the group members have also started to meet outside the group’s activities. They have developed their own friendships and connections.
What might you like to change in Joshua’s life that could help this statement work even better?
I’ve heard people say, “People like that should not be out at this time of the night.” I completely disagree. There needs to be more groups like this that meet in the evening to provide these kinds of social opportunities.
I think transport is key too. Living in a rural area, we haven’t got a bowling alley or theatre nearby. That means we need to provide transport to Leicester, Peterborough or Kettering to do some of these things. Additional transport provision for such groups would make a big change, widening the opportunities available.
What kinds of things do you think people who work in care and support should have in mind when thinking about this statement?
I think it’s about finding balance. That means providing opportunities for people to socialise, take part in activities and make their own choices as much as possible, but also bearing in mind any risk factors involved.
When planning activities, people who work in care and support should keep in mind that those who use their services can make choices of what they want to do and with whom. This may mean showing pictures and/or videos of the activities and, if the experience is new, visiting the venue in advance.
Learn more by exploring the other Making It Real statements or downloading the Making It Real Guide.
