Even in the most difficult times, we can all work towards achieving goals that will make a real difference to our future. A charity close to our heart, Self Unlimited, aims to help people with learning disabilities to make that difference happen every year. 

 

They are a national charity that offers support services to enable people with learning disabilities to live fulfilled lives within their own communities. By chalking up the success stories achieved as a direct result of what they do and measuring the impact that their services have on people’s lives, they can ensure that what they offer continues to make a real and positive difference. It also helps them to understand if they are spending their resources in the best possible way. And, of course, it is always good to celebrate goals achieved together.

 

They believe in, and work hard to achieve a person centred approach which is an elaborate way of saying that they work towards helping all the people they support to achieve what is most important to them, and that they remain at the centre of all decisions affecting their lives. People often choose relatives or friends, along with Self Unlimited's support staff and other professionals, to help them to make a step by step plan of what they want to do and how, together, they can look at what is required in order to make it happen. 

 

Katie’s goal was to live in a flat of her own. A few years ago, this would not have been possible. But Katie worked hard with support from both staff and family to overcome all of the hurdles to become confident in the skills that she would require to achieve her ambition. And, finally, she took that all important step. 

 

“I used to live in a house that I shared with two other girls. When I moved in almost eight years ago, I needed a lot of support and wasn’t even able to be at home on my own. Self Unlimited helped me with my independent living skills and I started going places on my own, catching the bus by myself into the town. Staff also supported me to work on my job skills. I got a paid job for a while, working in the kitchens at the Day Centre I used to attend, until it closed. Now I volunteer in a local charity shop. 

 

“Two years ago, in my person centred planning meetings, I said that I felt ready to be more independent and to live by myself. Staff helped me aim for this and, a year later, I moved into my very own flat in Coppull. Self Unlimited’s staff teams gave me as much support as I felt I needed, and I knew that if ever I needed a bit more, I could talk to them and they would sort it out. 

 

“I have now met a new friend. We get on really well and love doing the same things. After a lot of thinking, we have now decided to rent a place together. I have lived on my own for over a year and am very proud of that, but feel that I am now ready for a change and would like to share again, so my support team are helping us to achieve this. 

 

“Since moving out to live more independently, I have felt really happy and much more in control of my life. I have gained a lot more confidence and my family are really pleased with what I have achieved in such a short space of time.” 

 

Staff at Self Unlimited are delighted to see Katie continue to achieve her goals. Diane Kirwan, Regional Manager of their services in the North West, explains: “It’s what gives our staff teams such a huge boost, to see people overcoming individual obstacles. It doesn’t matter who we are, we all need help at some time or another, and for the people we support, that help can make the difference between having a life and living it to the full.” 

 

If you are interested in helping Self Unlimited to maximise opportunities for people with learning disabilities across the country, either by volunteering at one of their centres or by making a donation towards their work, then please telephone 0116 279 3225 or visit their website www.selfunlimited.co.uk.