I joined Brandon Trust in 2001; next week I leave. Any regrets? Yes, I should have joined earlier. Prior to coming I’d been through some full-on years managing social work teams. Believe me, they were brilliant people. When I came to Brandon Trust it was like generating the arc of a diver’s curve; going down deep before breaking surface again. I know it is still possible to experience that wonderful feeling at Brandon Trust.

People with learning disabilities have often been marginalised, we are now seeing some progress. Genuine inclusion in local communities, meaningful self advocacy and citizenship, all these avenues are ‘out there’ as routes to respect. In my view more assertive national action is required to maximise personal independence for disabled people. Too often discrimination continues to blight the lives of people we support. There is a massive job to be done. Brandon Trust is well placed to make a meaningful contribution.

Our strap-line is ‘Living A Life’, a short pithy phrase. One of my favourite singers, Robert Wyatt, hung out some fine words about living a life: “We’re diving for dear life, when we could be diving for pearls.” Robert’s brittle voice sounds ‘lived in’. He is not talking about mere survival; there is a poignant purposefulness about this song. Or at least that’s how I hear it.

I know many people with learning disabilities reach out for what is precious to them. Living a life goes beyond the mundane, it’s about diving for pearls. As I leave Brandon Trust I wish everyone connected with this ace charity, colleagues certainly, the people who we support undoubtedly, a future worthy of a deep dive. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to swim!

Steve Day
Director of Communications

I used to be able to put my socks on, use a spoon, and take myself to the toilet. I see monsters in my room and carpets can make me dizzy and confused. I hear people say "oh that's her being lazy" but I’m scared. Scared of what's happening to me and people don’t seem to know how to help me"

Who is that speaking? You, me, your mother or father, your granny or a person with learning disabilities?

The number of people developing dementia is increasing at an alarming rate in society as a whole, and that does not exclude individuals with learning disabilities.

While we are trying to ready ourselves with the knowledge and skills to adapt to changes when dementia is suspected or diagnosed; ask yourself, your team and your colleague: are we ready? We all need to be, as some of us will soon be working or living with someone who has dementia.

Next week it’s Dementia Awareness Week; 19th – 25th May.

Don't ignore the messages – learn about Dementia and what our part is in supporting people.

Dementia Special Interest Group

Hi, I'm Diane. I work at Banwell Pottery in Weston–super-Mare. This week Banwell Pottery are taking part in the North Somerset Arts Week; over 300 artists in almost 100 venues have opened their doors allowing visitors to experience a wide range of art and culture across the county.

This is the Banwell Pottery's first event since moving to a brand new purpose built studio, @ Worle. All our potters have been working hard to put on a really good exhibition showcasing as much of their work as possible.

We have had a steady flow of visitors over the week, so far every visitor has left impressed and full of praise for our talented team of potters. I think we have certainly changed some peoples misconceptions about what people with learning disabilities can achieve!

This type of event really helps to get the people we support the recognition and praise they deserve and establishes our new pottery firmly on the art map.

Banwell Pottery will be open this weekend, Saturday 11am to 4pm and Sunday 12 to 4pm.

Dianne Slingsby
Project Coordinator
Banwell Pottery

My name’s Philip Reynolds. I go to the South Bristol Project, a group that meets at the Park Centre in Bristol. I like going there as I get to see my friends and I join in with lots of different activities. My favourites are the walking group on a Monday morning which happens around the Knowle West Health Centre and the cooking group on Friday afternoons. The cooking group is great because I learn how to cook lots of different things, such as soup and pasta dishes. I also am learning to keep myself safe in a kitchen. The picture shows me baking cakes.

Last week we had a last minute change to the usual Friday activities. I used my bus pass to go on a bus to Weston-super-Mare where we went to see the sand sculpture exhibition and have a lunch out at the pub. I enjoyed seeing the sculptures despite the cold weather. It was too cold to go swimming. I’m looking forward to summer coming so we can go out in some warmer sunny weather.

Phil

3am on Monday 15th April is a time and day I will never forget. I was woken by the fire alarm ringing loudly.

I automatically remembered my fire training from the Brandon Trust and the staff team, which I followed.

I went downstairs and waited for everyone to come downstairs as well. Then Isaac who was supporting us told us to "Get out there is a fire in the kitchen".

Isaac had rung the Fire Brigade already and when we came out two engines were coming down the road.

I flagged one down to show where our house was and then the ambulance came to see if everyone was OK.

Luckily we all were.

Apparently a faulty fridge freezer had caused a major fire*

Our Manager and Team Leader were called and came out in the middle of the night and arranged for us to stay in a hotel.

I won't be able to return home for three months which I am very sad about but I am staying at another service nearby until I can return to my home with my other three friends.

I am really proud of all the staff who have helped me and my friends with everything and could not have managed without them.

I am just relieved everyone is OK, it does make you think how things could have turned out.

Mary, London.

*The appliance had been fully PAT tested and relevant checks were up to date.