We’ve just returned back to the UK buoyed up by a fabulous experience at #EAMHID25 in Ghent where Jen and the DanceSyndrome dancers made a significant contribution. Not only did they have an opportunity to deliver a solicited symposium (presentation) in conjunction with the NHS and a workshop ‘Embracing Inclusivity’, but they were given license to share their passion and … Read More
Inclusion Awareness Week – Now is the time
Inclusion rocks! Inclusion is key to happiness. Most of us have experienced exclusion at some time in our lives. Just imagine if that was the norm, if you were routinely left out. How would you feel? What would you have to live for? Why get up in the morning? Now is the time to stop paying lip service to EDI. … Read More
Express Day 24 review
Dodging the cloud bursts we arrived at Blackburn Empire Theatre excited to watch Express 24, the annual show of the multi-faceted talented dance charity, DanceSyndrome. The Sunken Forest was an opportunity to put aside the cares of the world, allow yourself to be enveloped by finely wrought, enthralling, enchanting spell binding ballet. The dance was absorbing as dancers shared their … Read More
Working together
It’s fascinating what the two words, “working together” conjure up isn’t it? Does it really mean two or more people joining together in an equitable relationship to create something? Or does it mean that someone is wanting to do something for you that really only benefits them or their organisation, but because it may be seen as “helpful” it can … Read More
The joy of inclusion
The joy of inclusion is something that can’t be explained. Rather it has to be experienced firsthand. It’s interesting to consider it from various angles. Here it is from the perspective of one perceptive visitor to the DanceSyndrome space recently: One thing was that I didn’t know how I would feel entering their space. I wondered if I might feel … Read More
Inclusion from the bottom up
If all humans are to be afforded the respect and opportunities that they deserve, we have to learn how to live differently and embrace people from all walks of life – inclusion from the bottom up. Perhaps it’s easier to look at inclusion as a life-style choice? Because choice it is. If inclusion is your default setting it subconsciously impacts … Read More
The last 12 months of an extraordinary ordinary life
For us it’s normal. It’s what we do, it’s who we are. For others who know what it’s like to live with a learning disability, or care for and support someone with a learning disability it, we’re told it’s an extraordinary ordinary life. Jen was written off at birth by the medics. She wasn’t valued. From the off she was … Read More
Open letter to Gamechanger recently in Taransay
We found ourselves neighbours with the boat Gamechanger in the stunning Taransay Sound for a couple of nights recently. Chartered through Yacht Charter Fleet, and seen by many in the area, as reported in the Greenock Telegraph, we’d like to get this message to those on board. Please can you kindly forward this message to those who were in Taransay … Read More
Achieve, smashing misconceptions
This week is Learning Disability Awareness week, with the theme “Achieve, smashing misconceptions”. National charity Mencap are leading the way in busting myths about people with learning disabilities, sharing brilliant stories. We all have our own stories. I wrote in Carer’s week how important it is for each of us to own the narrative of our own life: “After a … Read More
Opportunism
So following #Carersweek, what’s changed? Has the government heard the plea for help from family carers crying out for better support or from MP Caroline Dinenage who held a debate in the House of Commons last week? Carers need help now, not in the future, but right now. And not lip service only met with platitudes. They are hurting and … Read More