A Story from a group of young people

In the first half of 2004 young people with learning disabilities in the Ellon area, and their parents, spoke to the Local Area Co-ordinator because they felt there was a gap in the local community. The young people were looking for a place to meet and catch up with their friends, to make new friends and chill out. They also wanted the chance to take part in events and activities in their local community. There were groups already available but the young people wanted to develop a group in a way that suited them.

The LAC knew a worker from Enable who had already been involved when the young people were leaving school. The LAC and Enable worker agreed to support the young people to set up a group. The plan was for the LAC to withdraw once the group was running well.

A very informal meeting was called and the young people were asked what they wanted from the group. The meeting was very productive and the young people were very keen to start a group as soon as possible. The group started in September 2004 and it was known as "Ellon Young People’s Group".

Now the group meets on a monthly basis and it gives the members a chance to look at things they would like to do in their local community. There is still additional support to help with running the group. In January 2005 a number of young people were elected to office-bearing roles such as chairperson and secretary. Along with the rest of the group, they put together their constitution. They also decided on a new name - "Ellon Team Spirit".

Every member of Ellon Team Spirit feels that the group is theirs and they call the shots. By working together as a team and using their contacts and links, including the LAC, the young people are making their own decisions. They are having their voice heard and making a difference to their lives and to their local community. The young people are now creating their own opportunities.

In August 2005 due to the success of the group the LAC slowly withdrew from the group as planned.

For some, the group has meant they are no longer socially isolated. They have taken part in activities and opportunities that they did not have access to in the past.

A person-centred approach to taking control

Helen’s story

I met my Local Area Co-ordinator at my local learning shop.

I wanted to be happier. I told my LAC what I wanted.

I asked her to take me to Dundee. I helped her to plan the trip. We worked together.

I went to Dundee and Edinburgh. I made new friends. It felt great. I am quite happy now.

Jane gave me the chance to meet new people and try new things. This has made me more confident.

Local Area Co-ordinator’s story

Helen is 51 years of age and lives in local authority housing with two other people, and receives 24 hour support from people employed by the local authority. She is very friendly, and caring, and is well liked by those around her and within her community.

I have been supporting Helen to develop her confidence, and to achieve more independence and control in her life through person-centred planning.

We have been making a video diary, and developing a portfolio using photos, video, stories, etc. Helen hopes to use this to invite people along to a "support party" where she wants to share it with people who know her and so she can ask for support to achieve her goals. Helen has very clear ideas about her life and her future, and is keen to develop new opportunities and make new friends.

In the short time I have known Helen, she has been an inspiration to me and is never afraid of a new challenge.

Helen’s confidence continues to grow. She is more aware of her rights and generally seems happier and more content with her life. She is beginning to exercise more control over decisions which affect her, and continues to look for and access new opportunities.