It's World Down Syndrome Day today and we wanted to share the valued contribution Gareth makes.
Gareth lives at one of Hightown's schemes for people with learning disabilities in Buckinghamshire. Over the past few years, he has been working towards a healthier, happier, and more active lifestyle. This has included attending weekly gym sessions with his personal trainer to control his cholesterol, cooking healthy meals, pursuing his love for photography with his mum, building Lego sets, putting together Disney jigsaw puzzles, and encouraging others to take part in sports activities as a coach. Gareth is busy, active, and great with people.
"I am an independent person" mentions Gareth. "Hightown support staff make me feel cosy and safe in my home. They also keep me on track by giving me tips on road safety. One day I would like to work at Hightown as a support worker to help other people” shares Gareth.
Gareth gets involved with Hightown by providing feedback on ways we can make our services better through the VoiceBox complaints panel group. This means everyone’s voice is listened to and that decisions are made with people rather than for them. “I love going to VoiceBox. We look at procedures and complaints. It makes me feel involved and I have a say. I feel like I contribute. And – I enjoy the lunch!”
Tracey Halls, Quality Improvement Officer at Hightown, said: "Gareth is a key member of the VoiceBox complaints panel group, he is enthusiastic and always contributes, this includes discussing and identifying areas where we can improve. Thank you, Gareth, for your continuous involvement with the group."
#WorldDownSyndromeDay23 #WithUsNotForUs #inclusion
