“I am the parent of an adult son with Down’s syndrome who has been attending Activities for You and participating in activities with the project for a couple of years.

I wish to state the impact that Activities for You has had on my son in helping him to develop confidence and improve his communication and independent living skills.

The project provides invaluable support not just for the people who attend but also for families and carers who look after these special individuals; in relation to my situation, my husband and I care for our son full time with no other support.

Attending Activities for You has helped develop our son’s skills so that he has been able to acquire a part-time job with a local firm, which would not have been possible without his participation in the Activities for You program. Involvement in their activities has improved our son’s language skills and confidence as a result of attending activities out in the wider community without the support of parents or family. He has learned to mix with others, to consider the needs of others, and to work as a team and be responsible for himself and, at times, other people where appropriate.

Living in a very rural locality, the ability to mix and participate in projects away from family and in different locations is of particular benefit; as an adult with disability, once completing school and college, it can be difficult to develop and access appropriate and interesting activities and learning opportunities that really encourage individual development and challenges.

Our son has acquired a great set of friends; as a parent, we have a support network and see the improved opportunities and quality of life that he experiences, and in addition, we all benefit from the expertise, specialist knowledge, and support offered by Activities for You staff and volunteers."