Since joining Thera South West as Service Quality Director, Sam has had a real focus on outreach and building Thera South West’s profile across the south west of England. In the past this has included multiple radio appearances, speaking at events about her lived experience, and networking with organisations at a Music Festival Day to celebrate Learning Disability 2024. For Learning Disability Week 2025, they represented Thera at Torbay’s Big Bash.
Ran by Torbay Council and hosted at Torbay Leisure Centre on Tuesday 17 June, the Big Bash is an event that celebrates people with lived experience of a learning disability and provides a space for them to come and meet organisations within that space who can provide support and opportunities. Bash stands for “Being active, safe, and healthy,” and the event focused on helping people explore the ways they can achieve these goals safely.
Amongst the attendees were Dartsailability, a charity that allows people with lived experience of a learning or physical disability to enjoy sailing, and Seven Hills Boxing Club, a Boxing gym that has recently acquired funding to begin hosting a class for people with lived experience of a learning disability.
Exercise doesn’t just promote physical health, there is evidence to suggest that an active life with exercise can reduce anxiety and promote good mental health. In recent times, Thera South West have celebrated the story of someone we supported achieving key fitness goals and the positive effect it has had on their anxiety and mental health.
It is by attending events such as this and focusing on networking that Sam, Corrina, and the entire Thera South West team can learn more about the different services and providers out there for people with lived experience and can then pass the information on to the people we support.
Nigel Williams, Strategic Commissioning Manager for Torbay Council said of the event:
We are thrilled to announce the resounding success of the ‘Big Bash’ Learning Disability community day, which focused on Being Active, Safe, and Healthy. The event saw an incredible turnout, with over 300 attendees from across Torbay and the South West, and participation from 50 providers and community organizations.
The day was filled with a vibrant mix of activities, offering fun, valuable information, and guidance. It was a fantastic opportunity for networking and for friends to catch up. The enthusiasm and engagement from everyone present truly highlighted the strength and unity of our community.
Of the event, Sam said:
The Big Bash was amazing and a wonderful opportunity to network and meet organisations that provide opportunity for people with lived experience.
If you believe yourself or your loved one could benefit from this type of person centred support that promotes a healthy body and mind please get in touch with us at www.thera.co.uk/about/companies/thera-south-west/.