Kerry and Matthew, who live at Shaftesbury Anvil House in Billericay, are supported to spend several nights a week at local nightspots; socialising, enjoying the music and having a dance.
On Thursdays you’ll find them at Blaze, a club night in Benfleet for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities. They’re also regulars at Involve, an inclusive nightclub hosted by T.I.M.E (Together in Musical Expression), an Essex-based charity breaking down barriers and bringing people of all ages and abilities together to have fun through music. Cuckoo in Laindon is another one of their favourite nights out.
Getting out, having fun and mixing with people their own age has been really good for both Matthew and Kerry, according to Carolyn, Registered Manager at Shaftesbury Anvil House. Matthew, who is neuro-diverse and has Tourette’s syndrome, is supported one to one by Shaftesbury due to distress behaviours. He struggles with his self-esteem and feelings of rejection. Being able to go out at night and make new friends has really improved his confidence.
“This is exactly what a 33-year old should be doing. The new friends ask after him if he’s not there which makes him feel good about himself,” says Carolyn. He even won the competition for best Christmas outfit last year!
Kerry has lost both parents in recent years and has also been struggling without her long-term support worker who moved on after 20 years with Kerry. They used to go out together four days a week so Kerry has been stressed and feeling lost in her absence.
Shaftesbury Anvil House arranged meetings with social services and managed to get extra funding for more one to one hours. This enables Kerry to attend a local day centre two days a week to engage in arts and crafts, cooking and dancing.
“She is so much happier now she can participate in meaningful activities she enjoys, as opposed to wandering around the shops just to get out. She wouldn’t have been able to attend without support,” says Carolyn.
Many of us will be attending Christmas parties and socialising more at this time of year. Shaftesbury support means Kerry and Matthew can enjoy the festivities too.
For more on how Shaftesbury opens doors and breaks down barriers, visit our Christmas campaign at shaftesburygroup.org/open-doors.