During this year’s Learning Disability Action Week (17-23 June 2024) Bury Council and its partners are celebrating the things people with a learning disability bring to society.
The theme for this year's Learning Disability Action Week is ‘Do you see me?’ and the partners are also highlighting the support available.
The theme ‘Do you see me?’ is about people with a learning disability being seen, heard and valued. Being valued means that people are respected by others, and their views and feelings are listened to and about challenging the barriers people with a learning disability face.
People with a learning disability tend to take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complicated information and interact with other people.
Steven’s story
Steven Lavery is one young Bury resident who is proving what he can achieve.
Steve attends Bury Employment Support and Training (Bury EST) two days a week to work on his confidence, independence and employability skills with the ultimate aim to find paid employment.
He has worked in all areas of Manchester Road Park and particularly enjoys working in the bike hub with his support worker, where they carry out bike maintenance and refurbish second hand bikes. Steve has undertaken a couple of work experience placements - one at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and more recently at Re-Build Bury.
Here is what Steve had to say about his Pennine Care placement:
"I am so grateful to Pennine Care for giving me the opportunity to do this placement and gain knowledge of what a work atmosphere is like. As each week passed, I really started to grow in confidence doing jobs for them and I felt good knowing I could help."
"Picturing my life 12 months ago I did not think I would have ever got this opportunity. It just proves that there are lovely people out there willing to give me a chance and I will be forever grateful.”
Learning Disability Action Week
Steven’s story is one of several success stories from Bury EST and you can read more here: https://www.bury.gov.uk/jobs-and-skills/bury-employment-support-and-training/customer-profiles-and-testimonials
During the week we will celebrate the successes of people with a learning disability, promote the support available for work, health and their personal lives, and how they are involved in designing services.
During this week you will hear more about the work of:
Bury Employment Support and Training (Bury EST) is a supported employment service offering advice, support and practical assistance to disadvantaged and disabled customers (who are eligible for funding) into employment, and meaningful activities such as independent living, independent travel, and life skills.
Based at The Lodge House in Manchester Road Park, Bury and home to The Welly Community Café, we also work in partnership with employers, individuals and organisations to create a socially inclusive and diverse workforce.
Bury People First is a group set up and run by people with learning disabilities to speak up for their rights and promote their interests in society and local and government policy.
Jigsaw is a local charity based in Bury that provides sport and social opportunities for young disabled adults to promote fun, freedom, and independence; support people to enjoy an active social life, help people reach their sporting potential and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Persona Care and Support has been supporting people in Bury to live their best life since 2015 and their services were previously delivered in-house at Bury Council. Everyone's needs are unique, so Persona tailors their support to what matters to you.
Persona provides a range of services for people with learning disabilities including day support options like Escape for young adults, as well as short term and long term support for all adults including Supported Living, Bury Shared Lives and much more.
For further information, please email info@personasupport.org or visit our website https://www.personasupport.org/our-services/
The Bury Directory promotes a range of services and organisations for people with learning disabilities.