Soccability
Lynn has helped people with learning disabilities to do some football training sessions. There are more sessions booked for Spring so if your are interested please give her a call.

Swimming Pools
Lynn is currently working with public swimming pools in Southminster and Maldon so that local disabled people can access these facilities more conveniently. Mobile hoists have made it easier for people with mobility issues easier to get in and out of the pool. Lynn is currently investigating the introduction of grab rails to assist people when getting dressed.

Both public swimming pools will also have an Access Audit in January 2012. This will highlight other ways in which the swimming pools could be more accessible for people with disabilities

Cinema Trips
Lynn is currently exploring the options for people to go to the cinema. At the moment there is an ‘autistic friendly’ screening in Colchester once a month. This gives individuals and their families a comfortable and safe environment in which to watch a film.    

 See this link for more information

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14494676

 Training for youth clubs
 Lynn is identifying training around communication and awareness that may help staff have a better understanding of the needs of people with learning disabilities and complex needs

Vicky has been in post since November and is working with individuals and their families.

Background and Experience
Vicky is a Learning Disability Nurse that has supported lots of people that have a learning disability and complex needs. She has also worked very closely with individuals and their families.

Much of her work over the last 4 years has been helping people direct their own support, to get their own personal assistants and have the life that they choose. This person-centred approach responds to the expressed needs and wishes of the individual, paying particular attention to very close family and friends, or other circles of support   

Vicky has lots of experience of working with people who are in receipt of their own personal budget. This budget is funded by social services to pay for a person’s care and/or support.

Vicky has helped people:

• plan their support and get their support plan signed off by social services
• find good staff or personal assistants,
•  get to grips with budgeting and accounts
•  find a nice place to live 
• source training for staff
• create person centred plans
•  find out about getting involved in the community

 Individuals and Families Support Worker 

At the More2Life Project, Vicky’s role is to work with individuals their families to take a closer look at some of the things that stop them from having the lives that they want.

More often than not, families are the primary carers and receive very little support elsewhere. This puts a huge strain on everyone. The More2life project wants to explore possible leisure and social activities within our community, and consider ways in which families could broaden their support network, whilst feeling confident that their loved one is being cared for properly. 

The More2life Project wants to hear from individuals with learning disabilities and complex support needs and their families. We value your opinions and want to hear your experiences.