Skillnet Group: Valuing Adults with Learning Difficulties

Thu, Mar 8th 2018 at 8:52 am - 8:52 am

Lis Clayson gives a presentation on the work of Skillnet Group, helped by Peter Bland and Sam Barnard


 

Skillnet Group: Valuing Adults with Learning Difficulties

At a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of South Foreland members were given a presentation by Lis Clayson from Skillnet Group, a company working to achieve equality for people in Kent with learning difficulties.  She was accompanied by Sam and Peter who spoke of their achievements with the support of Skillnet.  The company is a ‘not for profit’, community enterprise organisation (all payments and profits are invested in group projects and enterprises) which operates on the principles of co-production and personalisation.  This means that people with and without learning difficulties work as equals to enable those with difficulties to make their own choices, maximise their potential and feel that they are valued individuals.  Those without may be volunteers, supporters or Skillnet staff.

Sam has Downs Syndrome and spoke confidently of his acting career.  He has appeared in many TV programmes including ‘Casualty’ and ‘Silent Witness’: recently he had a professional role in pantomime at Rye.  Peter has developed his skills in media and music and, despite the upsetting experience of benefit reassessment, is looking forward to taking on the role of assistant to the group’s Health and Safety Officer.

In Dover the group meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Biggin Hall where a variety of courses, such as music and media, are offered.  Examples of community involvement are ‘Audiobox’ and workshops for schools.  ‘Audiobox’ is a radio programme produced for Dover Community Radio and broadcast on Sunday mornings; it includes interviews, local features and various tastes in music.  School workshops include ‘How We Want to be Treated’ which raises awareness of disability and challenges negative attitudes, and ‘Work With Us’, covering applications and interviews for children.  Another workshop, ‘Eco Citizens’, is about using resources in a sustainable way and reflects the company’s ethical stance, as does the recycling of materials to produce goods for sale.

If you would like to know more check the Skillnetgroup website.

 

 

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