Lately, I have been asking myself why I enjoy what I do. I work with adults with learning disabilities in Cornwall at a home called Bowden Derra Park. However, there are many different environments to work in within the Care Sector including care homes, residential facilities, client’s homes, day centres and hospitals.

Every day I can make a real difference in someone’s life, whether it is assisting with tasks they would otherwise find difficult, helping with household tasks, shopping or supporting and encouraging them to find activities they enjoy. The list of activities is enormous – football, cricket, dance, bowling, watching a show, cinema, pub or going for a walk, and many more. We also spend time painting, playing board games and doing arts and crafts depending on what the person would like to do and when.

Many adults with learning disabilities face isolation and a lack of support. We have been able to bridge this gap by finding out the likes and dislikes of the people we support and finding events and activities in our community for them to join. Many group events happen in our local town including knit and natter, playing pool and walking groups. Some of the people we support have developed friendships which has widened their social circle.

Helping the people we support to progress and achieve their goals gives me lots of emotional fulfilment, satisfaction of a job well done and a real sense of purpose. Also, there is lots of room for personal development and many people choose to go into other fields including occupational therapy, nursing or social work through training and apprenticeships. So, you can learn as you earn.

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The workshop took place in our Central Park Hub Conference Room and was attended by some of our service users and staff.

Bojana, Roger and Brian from the University had three questions that they thought would help with their research.

Three groups were formed, they shared their experiences and feelings about each question. Participants were able to speak freely about their own views and experiences and offer new ideas.  Brian, Roger and Rojana were good facilitators who ensured that everyone was able to express themselves.

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The Gateway Centre is run as a charity for the Community. The centre has a café with a large communal area.

Many of the people who live at Bowden Derra Park have met up with friends there and enjoy a drink and some homemade cakes and biscuits.

There is a pool table there and some of the people we support enjoy reading magazines and newspapers that are available.

Some of the volunteers at the Gateway Centre have encouraged the people we support to engage in activities that they are interested in, including gardening club, a walking group covering miles at a time around scenic locations in Launceston, a pool group, knit and natter and a sports activity session.

Some of the people we support like to go into the town with their friends as the centre is only 2 minutes away.

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This year, @ThePark entered two Christmas tree festivals. Some of our service users got involved in the local community.

The first was in St. Mary Magdalene’s Church in Launceston. We designed a tree to showcase disability, using icons showing different disability signs. We finished that off with bright lights and a sign in Makaton saying Merry Christmas. This tree was placed by the screen in the church and stayed for a week as part of an-80 strong display of beautiful trees from all around the area. BBC Spotlight featured the festival on their evening TV roundup.

The second festival is being held at Lewannick Church. This is our local village, and we have a strong community link with the village and school. Service users have produced a tree using their hand and thumb prints. Two mornings of creative fun, and lots of cutting out were held. Several service users have gone the extra mile by getting onboard and helping with every step of the way. Susan Worsley was one of these. She was picked to then go to the church to help place it in the line-up.

We have also produced a tree for the shop 3 Cows On’t Green. Debbie wanted this tree to showcase the shop and to use it as an advert. We have used photographs showing the shop in all its Christmas glory. David and Martin went down to spend the morning drawing items of their choosing to add to the baubles. They then enjoyed hot chocolate and a mince pies to add to the experience.

When we got to the church on Monday, 11th, it was found that spaces became available, so we placed our tree from St. Mary’s in as well. So, three beautiful trees showcasing @ThePark are up locally until 6th, of January, 2024.

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