Learning Disability Week 2019 gets under way today (Monday 17 June) – and activities are being held around Sandwell to encourage everyone to get involved.
From learning how to DJ to a Club Tropicana disco, there are plenty of fun things in store.
Sport is a key theme of this year’s Learning Disability Week, which runs until Friday (21 June).
Mencap research shows half of people with learning disabilities want to spend more time out of the house – and sport and physical activity can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Tomorrow (Tuesday 18 June) at Stoney Lane Day Centre in West Bromwich, Support Plus will be hosting interactive games, archery skills, boccia, sports circuits and exercise sessions from 10.30am to 3pm. Call Marcia for more info on 0121 569 4467.
Then on Thursday (20 June), Portway Lifestyle Centre, Newbury Lane, Oldbury, hosts a morning of sports and horticulture from 10.30am followed by Club Tropicana disco and BBQ from around 12noon. Call Lyn for details on 0121 543 4809.
There is also sponsored walk to various locations throughout the week. Call Mikki for details on 0121 569 5452.
Creative Arts, 37-39 Cyrus Street, Oldbury, will be ‘open door’ 10.30am-3pm all week. Drop in, meet the artists, browse and buy. Call Ruth on 0121 552 8095 for details.
Councillor Farut Shaeen, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for living healthy lives, said: “With the number of people diagnosed with a learning disability in Sandwell growing, it is important that we make sure the services we have in place for them work.
“We are extremely proud of the service providers in our area and are excited to see the programme of events for Learning Disability Week.
“Every day, these providers support our residents and they now want the opportunity to share all their hard work with the public.
“These events show how we are all working together to improve the lives of anyone with a learning disability as well as those responsible for their care.
“We hope everyone will support us in breaking down the barriers so that we can live in a place that is inclusive for all.”