Changing lives one person at a time

DanceSyndrome impacts families

When the idea for gathering dancers with and without learning disabilities together to learn skills, create choreography and support each other to develop it was because nothing existed to support our daughter Jen to do what she wanted to do – Dance. Jen, with a her support team at that time, came up with idea in her bedroom, then put … Read More

Working together

Donna and Jen working together. Photo by Melissa Cross for Empower Housing Association

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

Putting the care back into social care isn’t difficult

Group of DanceSyndrome dancers celebrating life through dance

I’m no psychologist but why on earth do we continue to give people with learning disabilities and their families such an incredibly tough time? Most people with learning disabilities are born with learning disabilities.  Others acquire learning disabilities through accidents, notably brain injury.  No one chooses to have learning disabilities.  But it happens.  It can happen to anyone, or impact … 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