My Life, My Choice
2024 Grant Recipients
Project funded by the Powerhouse Grant - Grant Medium, project completing March 2025
A monthly self-advocacy group for adults with learning disabilities living in and around Didcot.
The overall purpose of the group is to:
- Reduce loneliness and isolation
- Improve confidence, independence, health and wellbeing
- Improve awareness and access to local social, educational, and work opportunities
- Improve skills and knowledge, especially regarding ability to self-advocate
Group sessions have focused on the following topics: an introduction to self-advocacy, relationships and boundaries, sexual health, diversity and inclusion, mental wellbeing, voting: rights and accessibility, employment, independent living and travel skills and inputting ideas for the MLMC 3 year strategy, in addition to a Christmas party!
“I like coming to this group, it makes me feel excited to see all my friends. I’ve met loads of new friends here. I've been helping to run the group for MLMC. I was co-chair, which was new for me. I can do it on my own now, with a little help.”
Impact achieved so far:
Increased ability to advocate individually and as a group
- 80% of Didcot group members said they felt an increased ability to advocate as individuals and as a group.
KL: “Didcot group really helps me and helps me speak out”.
2. Reduction in loneliness and isolation
- 70% of group members reported feeling less lonely and isolated.
AU: “I like meeting new people”
DD: “I like coming to the group because I’ve made lots of friends”.
The group has enabled members to form new social connections, many of whom are now choosing to eat together at a post group, member-led social held at the local Prince of Wales pub.
3. Increased independence, confidence, knowledge and skills
- 60% of participants report an increase in their independence, knowledge and skills since joining the group.
LP: “I think Didcot group is absolutely brilliant because I learn new things.”