Over the last couple of months members have welcomed a number of guests at our Carlisle Self-Advocacy Group, ‘Have Your Say’.
We have 5 active groups in Cumbria for people with Learning difficulties, and/or autism. The groups determine their own programme of activities and ‘have their say’. Self-advocacy is the ability to speak-up for yourself and the things that are important to you. Self-advocacy helps to empower people to speak up for themselves and make decisions to improve their life and try to change the way things are done.
The group invited Peter McCall, Police and Crime Commissioner in Cumbria, to attend their group. The members were keen to learn more about his role, ask questions, and introduce him to People First. The group learned lots, had their questions answered, and enjoyed meeting Mr. McCall.
Mr. McCall also took part in the People First Take Over Day as part of Learning Disability Week 2019 where one of our members, Clarence, shadowed Mr. McCall for the day.
(RE)Mind Your Body
Virginia Taylor from (RE)Mind Your Body, came along to run a movement workshop. Members took part in an instructed activity which focused on simple exercises aimed at improving mobility.
The members thoroughly enjoyed taking part and learned exercises for improving balance, movement and staying healthy.
To find out more about (RE)Mind Your Body visit https://www.remindyourbody.co.uk/
Playlist For Life
Les and Di from Playlist for Life, the UK’s leading music and dementia charity, came along to talk about their project and the impact that music can have on us. The group discussed how music can evoke memories, affect your mood, strengthen relationships and the research surrounding this.
Members were encouraged to think about their favourite songs which resulted in a group sing along!
The group were then encouraged to make a personal playlist of music that they could listen to, reminisce, and feel happy.
To find out more about Playlist for Life visit https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/
Have Your Say meetings are every other Tuesday Evening 6-8pm at the People First Conference Centre, Milbourne Street, Carlisle, CA2 5XB.
If you would like to come along, or to find out more, please contact Hannah:
[email protected] or call 03003038037 (option 2)
The full programme from June until September can be viewed here.