 Enjoying life together
When we held our community conversation last year about ‘living in a place called home’, people talked about how a home is so much more than just a building. For those sharing a place, living with someone who has similar interests makes a big difference.
Staff across ASC, commissioning and housing have worked really hard together to ensure that bespoke accommodation is found and that people who live together really get along. Emma and Bella, who have recently moved into a new place together, are a great example of this new way of working. After some refurbishments, they have started making the space their own. But more than that, they’re enjoying life alongside someone else who shares similar interests.
Bella was the first to move in a few weeks ago, “I came for a try out. It’s good because I already know Emma,” Bella shares. She settled in quickly and was soon joined by Emma – someone she already knew from local groups. “My family helped me move all my things. I am busy every day,” she says.
Their shared love of karaoke, Ed Sheeran, and board games has helped the pair quickly build a routine that reflects who they are. "I go to Karaoke on Wednesday," Bella adds with a smile. Together, they have created a warm and lively home, planning meals and cooking side by side. "We write the list and I do my food shopping on a Saturday," Emma explains.
They’ve also been exploring the local area and already have a favourite restaurant in mind. At the mention of Bosco Lounge, weekend plans were already taking shape. As the ladies continue to blend old interests with new experiences, life in their new home is off to a great start.
 Helping people understand Autism
At the Autism Celebration event at the Oakwood Centre in April, people said how it was important to help others understand Autism better.
We would like to share that Autism Central have recently launched a free online training course on ‘understanding autism for personal assistants'. This online training course is aimed at paid carers of autistic people who would like to gain a deeper understanding of autism and how best to support the autistic people they work with. If you employ a personal assistant who would benefit from completing this training, please share the course with them.
 Carers Week
Don’t forget next week is Carers Week, a week of activities and information for people of all ages who support a friend or family member.
One example is the Carers Information Day on Wednesday 11 June. This free event will be at Loddon Hall in Twyford from 3.30pm to 7pm. There will be lots of information stands from local services and groups, like The Link, Understanding Dementia, Citizens Advice, Berkshire Vision and Places Leisure. We know that people often find it hard where to go to ask for support or advice, so this is a great opportunity to find out what is available locally.
There are also lots of fun things to do while you are there:
- activities for children run by Berkshire Youth
- meet and greet Birds of Prey or the fire service
- face painting
- relaxation sessions
No need to book, just drop in and say hello. If you would like to find out about the other activities planned for the week, which include walks at California Country Park, a cream tea river cruise and a quiz night, please emailcarers@ageukberkshire.org.uk or call 0118 959 4242
 Learning Disability Week
June also sees Learning Disability Awareness week, run by the Learning Disability Partnership Board. It starts with a CLASP Choir Sing Out at Tesco, Wokingham, on Friday 13 June from 1pm to 2pm. This year’s theme is being ‘seen, heard and valued’. Do come down and join in the joy! Celebrations continue the week after, including:
- an art exhibition which will be held at Wokingham Library from 16 to 20 June (during staffed library hours)
- a social walk at South Hill Park on Tuesday 17 June
- a picnic in Elms Field on Wednesday 18 June
For more information about what’s happening when, please email: partnershipboard@clasp.org or call 07780 749 453 / 0118 228 1801
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