Knowsley Disability Concern is a registered charity—Number 1103477

July 2019; Issue 1

Learning Disabilities Services Newsletter Welcome to KDC’s brand new Newsletter from our Learning Disabilities services We will tell you all about the programmes and projects we offer

We will introduce you to our staff who run these projects

If you would like to join any of these projects, we would love to hear from you

You can keep up to date with all the latest news and information via our website, visit us at : www.kdc.org.uk

@bigknowsley01

@BIGknowsley

The BIG group The BIG Group is a group of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism We work together to take part in activities, meet new people, and tackle issue that affect us

We have “Chill & Chat Nights� once a month, where we go out with our friends and have fun

We work with the Police to try and support people speak out about Hate Crime

The BIG Pathway The BIG Pathway is a free 15 week programme of short learning and development sessions for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism It aims to improve your skills, boost your confidence and increase your independence – in a fun way!

The sessions are two-hours long every week, and are held in activity bases and community settings across Knowsley

Topics covered include: communication, independent travel, money skills, first aid, maths, leadership, mindfulness, plus many more

Managing my money Managing my Money is programme that aims to give you the skills and confidence to help you look after your money. The course is designed to fit your learning needs, and covers everything from: Coin recognition

Saving for things you want to buy

Opening and running your own bank account

Maths & English We are starting a new free, 30 week maths and English course Learning will take place in small groups, with lots of peer support

The sessions will be aimed at the level of the group, so they are not too hard or not too difficult

Learners will improve their maths and English skills, and get a recognised, accredited certificate

Reading group We are also piloting a new reading group for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism

So far the group have read “The Witches” and “The Twits” by Roald Dahl

The feedback we have received has been brilliant, all the group members said they really enjoyed the sessions

Some of the group were inspired to write their own poems, they were amazing!

Meet the team Hello my name is Keri, I work on the BIG Pathway, and Maths and English course I’m Back! Since having my son Oliver and being off for a total of 13 months I am now back! I will be working on the BIG Pathway and a great new Maths and English programme

When I’m not in work I love gardening and growing my own fruit and veg and doing lots of fun things with Oliver

Meet the team

Hello my name is Ruth, I work with the BIG Group

I used to work with computers and then as a teaching assistant

With the BIG Group I support people to become more independent and tackle issues that are important to them

In my spare time I enjoy watching the mighty St Helens, and running my Scout group

Meet the team

Hello my name is Cheryl, I work on the Managing my Money programme

I used to be a teacher

Managing my Money is great fun! I am really proud of what our learners have done so far

In my spare time I enjoy reading, cinema and ballroom dancing

Hello my name is Danny, I work on the Managing my Money programme. I also run the reading group I've worked for charities such as Wicked Fish, Kinship Carers, and the British Council of Disabled People

When I'm not working I enjoy writing, and love films and footy

I'm husband to Angela, a grandad to Zac and the owner of a hooligan cat called Wilco

Meet the team Hello my name is Kieran. I work with the BIG Group, the BIG Pathway, and the maths and English course

I used to work with adopted young people, it was great!

I love meeting lots of amazing people on the BIG Pathway, and with the BIG Group

I am a big football fan, and enjoy going to watch Everton play at the weekends

...on the BIG Group, please contact Ruth or Kieran: 0151 480 8883

biggroup@kdc.org.uk

...on the BIG Pathway, please contact Keri or Kieran: 0151 480 8883

kieran.tarpey@kdc.org.uk