Thera South West recently celebrated a significant milestone with the success of our “Being Heard” event. The event was held at The Jubilee Hall in Stoke Canon, Exeter. The event was organised by myself and my Executive Assistant, Corrina. Our Being Heard events aim to empower individuals with a learning disability by providing them with a platform to voice their opinions and concerns directly to senior members of our organisation. The people that we support are able to come together, socialise, and discuss their support in a productive, fun, and welcoming environment.
We designed the event to be as engaging and community focused as possible. Using contacts Corrina had we arranged for Shine Music Devon to attend. Shine are a music therapy group that specialise in supporting people with a learning disability to learn instruments and enjoy music. My Executive Assistant, Corrina, has worked with them before which was her introduction into working with people with a learning disability.
The event was a huge success! We had 27 people attend including myself, Corrina, and Estelle, our Managing Director. We have budgeted to deliver 4 Being Heard events per year across Wiltshire, Devon, and Dorset. The theme for this Being Heard event was ‘Getting to know you and having your say’. We sent out questions via email to support staff prior to the event taking place so that they could encourage people to think about what they would like to say on the day of the event. On the day of the event we had some crafting tables with rock painting and modelling clay and we placed big sheets of A4 paper on tables with the questions on with marker pens so that people could leave their feedback.
Prior to this event we formed a steering group where we were able to speak with our operational staff and find out what would best engage the people we support and maximise the impact of the days. Looking at the feedback that the people left I have decided that we can use the following themes for future Being Heard events in Devon:
- Stepping into the world of volunteering, employment and work placements
- Managing my money and finances independently
- What does a healthy relationship look like (friendships and partnerships)
I felt like the Being Heard event went amazing, everyone engaged so well and the music workshop was just magical. I feel very proud that my very first being Heard event was such a success with 24 people attending. I liked the people that delivered the music therapy workshop, they were very person centred and made everyone feel welcome and relaxed.
Stay tuned to hear about our next event and how it goes!
Find out how Thera South West could support you or your loved one here