A SERIES of events to support people with learning disabilities in Gloucestershire will take place as part of this year’s Learning Disabilities Week (16th-20th June).

As part of the plans, Gloucestershire County Council is hosting an Employment Showcase on Thursday 19th June at the Walls Club, Barnwood between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Twelve stands will be on site offering advice and information on a variety of county council initiatives, supporting people with a disability back in to work. Exhibitors include 30/30 Forwards Work Club, Your Future, Pluss Job Brokers, Sofab Sports and The Forest Project, Employment Team.

In addition, Future Clean, an environmentally-friendly car cleaning service in Gloucestershire run by people with learning disabilities will be taking bookings.

The showcase will also be a chance for people to have their say on the county council’s Building Better Lives policy outlining changes the council would like to make  to the way they support people of all ages who have a disability.

The Building Better Lives policy focuses on giving people more choice and control and using the talents of people with a disability to play a key role in delivering services. Staff will be on-hand to talk through the questionnaire and what it means for people living with a disability in Gloucestershire.

Cllr Kathy Williams, cabinet member for long term care, said: “There is a fantastic line-up of events across the county to coincide with Learning Disability Week. People with a disability are achieving more than ever before and have the skills and talents to support one another and we want to encourage this at every opportunity.

“Through the Building Better Lives Policy, we have a real opportunity to improve the way that professionals support people with a disability, focussing on them as individuals and helping them to build the lives that they really want.”

Throughout the week, Gloucestershire County Council’s six Drop In Centres for vulnerable adults county-wide will also be hosting open day events to coincide with the awareness week.

The centres are free to use, with staff available to give advice and guidance on issues such as support in the community, healthy eating, staying safe in the home and managing money. Visitors to the centre can also take part in activities aimed at helping them to build friendship groups and share information.

The open day drop in sessions are:

Wednesday 18th June

Tewkesbury, 10.30am - 3pm at Tewkesbury Library, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX.
Forest of Dean, 10.30am – 3pm at The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford, GL16 8RH.
Stroud, 10.30am – 3pm, 7-8 The Old Town Hall, The Shambles, GL5 1AP.

Thursday 19th June
Gloucester, 10.30am-3pm at 2, Three Cocks Lane, Gloucester, GL1 2QU.
Cheltenham, Thursday 19th June, 10.30am – 3pm at 2nd Floor Children’s Library, Chester Walk, Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3JT