The Castle & Beyond - Our Voice, Our Community

A number of groups and activities have been set up such as a teen’s social group, a family friendly play session, drop-in support sessions and arts and crafts activities. The benefits of these activities and how they have been developed go far beyond having a welcoming space to learn, play and socialise. A committee which is made up of project participants and parents of young people involved in the project leads the decision making process about what the project offers.

For people with learning disabilities, feelings of isolation and lack of control over access to resources can be heightened due to social and systemic barriers. Participants have been able to network with like-minded people who have experienced similar barriers in society. The ability to identify their needs in the community and put services in place has helped people recognise their self-worth.

ASD Family Help brings the voices of people with lived experience of inequalities to the forefront to create an environment where individuals feel empowered to set up new activities and opportunities that match their needs and interests. The impact of this is that people who have previously faced barriers in society have control over implementing lasting change and tackling inequalities.