LOOK OUT for members of a self advocacy group for people with learning disabilities in the Wokingham borough in June.
Members of CLASP Wokingham will be celebrating Learning Disability Awareness Week, enjoying a range of events including health awareness, singing, art, gardening, cycling, bowling, and a picnic.
The theme of the week is Do You See Me? – It’s about being seen, heard and valued.
Michele Munro Independence Support worker at CLASP, said: “Our members often feel sidelined and un-seen in wider society, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
“There are continued examples of them being on the receiving end of unkindness out in public life.
“And a lack of understanding can lead to them facing significant inequalities in health care and life outcomes.
“An awareness of what life looks like as an adult with a learning disability is key to making positive changes.
“Our members and their abilities, rather than disabilities, are very much celebrated during the week.
“As active members of the Wokingham community, they like everyone else, deserve to be seen, heard and valued.”
Learning Disability Week takes place from Monday, June17 to Sunday, June 23, with CLASP events taking place before and during the week.
On Friday, June 14, the group can be seen singing outside Waitrose in Wokingham.
On Monday, June 17, they will be ‘catching’ the Health Bus in Bracknell from 10am until 11am, and again from 1pm until 2pm, before manning an information stand at Squires Garden Centre, Heathlands Road, Wokingham.
On Tuesday, June 18, members will create a piece of collaborative artwork at Cafe Mosaic, in Wokingham’s Bradbury Centre.
On Wednesday, June 19, the day is filled with a Mini Olympics at the group’s Happy & Healthy Club, followed by a craft club, and a drop-in social evening at Sedero Lounge, Wokingham.
On Thursday, June 20, an active session with My Journey Wokingham, on bikes, and some pruning and potting at Gardening Club, are both on offer.
And bringing events to a close, on Friday, June 21, Members of CLASP will be able to enjoy bowling, and a picnic in Elms Field, Wokingham.
CLASP is a user-led organisation, run by its members, employing people with learning disabilities, and offering voluntary opportunities.
Members receive one to one support, information, advice and signposting.
It also runs a disability awareness training group, Listen To Us, and a campaigning group called Take Notice.
The group welcomes new member enquiries.
For information, visit: www.claspwokingham.org, call: 07780 749453, or 0118 228 1801, or email: admin@claspwokingham.org
And for more about Learning Disability Awareness Week, visit: www.southernhealth.nhs.uk, and search for services/disability awareness.
