The need for support

For adults with learning disabilities there are many challenges that can negatively affect their quality of life. They tend to have fewer opportunities for social engagement and spending time with their peers. Venues and places of interest that they would like to visit may not be accessible due to an individual’s ability and mobility, sometimes both. Additionally, there may be no support available or groups set up to cater for their needs in the areas they live.

The situation is made worse when combined with the realities of shrinking social care budgets and the termination of adult funding by many local authorities. This is further compounded by a changing and challenging benefits system; many adults with learning disabilities previously on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) have had their claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rejected. Some of our adult service users say that they have lost up to 35 % of their personal benefit since these changes were introduced.  

Whilst there may be others enrolled at college, undertaking volunteer or paid work, or who are lucky enough to have access to alternative means of income there still remains a large number of adults with a learning disability who live in isolation with no opportunity to enjoy new experiences and learn skills. It is for this reason that LinkAble’s adult daytime services are so important and what makes them unique to Woking and Surrey Heath.

LinkAble

LinkAble was set up in 1989 and serves Woking and Surrey Heath. Since then the charity has been providing experiences, activities and opportunities for both children and adults with learning disabilities. Our aim is to give our service users the same opportunities as their peers, to enjoy a full social life, try new activities, learn new skills, build their confidence and encourage independence.

‘Adults with learning disabilities face exclusion from many aspects of mainstream life. They have fewer friends, poor employment prospects and are more likely to be affected by poverty, ill-health and loneliness.’

                                                                                                      Jamie Evans, Head of Services, LinkAble

We Can Do Anything (WCDA)

'We Can Do Anything' (WCDA) is a program that provides anyone over 18 years old with a learning disability the opportunity to engage with a wide range of activities in a supported environment. The group focuses on activities which enable them to learn and practice independent living skills, engage in meaningful social activities and give back to the local community. Groups are encouraged to suggest ideas about activities they would like to take part in so have an input into the termly programme.

Current and past activities include tending the gardens at Guildford Cathedral, working alongside conservation rangers on Horsell Common, regular visits to a local construction project and making poppies for the Royal British Legion to be sold ahead of Remembrance Sunday. 

The most popular activity is our Wednesday group, which is designed to educate service users on health, provide opportunities to socialise and engage with the local community. From service user feedback we know that they appreciate the current full day format and LinkAble intends to expand its adult services using this as the model.

How we intend to use your support

We have exciting plans to grow and evolve our adult services, subject to securing the funding required. Our aim is to offer a wider variety of services that are exciting, innovative, yet affordable to existing and new service users. They need to make best use of our existing resources, be sustainable and resilient to the financial pressure’s charities and services users face.

The new programme will be phased in eventually building up to a full-day service every Monday to Friday in term time. Each day will have a theme based around health and well-being, living skills, leisure, community engagement as well as employment and work-related skills. Service users will have the flexibility to book a week block or individual days depending on their interests and personal circumstances.

Your support towards the cost of delivering and expanding our adult services would be much appreciated. In turn, you will be helping some of society's most vulnerable people to live a happier and more fulfilling life. 

Thank you in advance for your consideration.