Page 16 - Community Living Magazine 36-1

ommunit
y living
Community living
C

– wha t does it mean t o y ou?
– what does it mean to you?

Inclusion, rights and equality have been at the heart of this Jo Sullivan
magazine since its launch 35 years ago. Saba Salman asks Chief executive, Superstar Arts
It’s an important part of our ethos that we
people what a successful life in the community looks like deliver projects in a setting that shares

space with other community groups.
This enables a truly integrative, inclusive
Alexis Quinn Joe Powell experience, which leads to positive,
Campaigner and author Chief executive, All Wales People First productive community relationships.
People should enjoy the same I’ve always wanted to be a taxpayer, to We aim to create a supportive
opportunities as everyone else – the contribute to society. To be an active environment where adults express
ability to live in a safe, comfortable home citizen. To reciprocate. To be a contributor, themselves via different creative outlets
on a regular street and in a place of not a passenger. That dream became a including exhibiting in local galleries and
our choosing. reality when I was appointed national collaborating with mainstream artists and
We should get to live with people we director of All Wales People First in 2012. performers. It’s a successful way to
want to live with and have relationships Unfortunately, I’m in a tiny minority. challenge perceptions, and creates a great
and the chance of a family without Most people are effectively retired and sense of belonging.
scrutiny. If we want to work, go out to written off at 18 years old.
random places, stay up late and get drunk, Human rights may be a major Simon Richards
we should be supported to do so. inconvenience to the government when Ambassador, Stay Up Late
legislating. But that’s exactly the reason In the past 10 years, I’ve gone from a
Amy Tedd we need them. person who mostly stayed in in the
Support worker, South Warwickshire evenings to a person who is often out and
Having opportunities to build about, at a karaoke or open mic night or
relationships, pursue careers and engage at my drama group rehearsing for our
in hobbies and interests are essential to a next show.
good quality of life. I’ve been in supported living for a few
Stereotypes and prejudices, a lack of years and I’m proud of the fact I can travel
employment opportunities, inadequate independently and safely to venues.
funding for essential services and
insufficient physical access are all huge Anna Severwright
barriers that inhibit a person’s right to a Co-convenor, Social Care Future
meaningful living standard. As I am a disabled woman, community
living is more than just physically living in
Sarah Ford Dr Rashmi Becker a community – it means I can be as active
Centre manager, Jolly Josh Sibling and Step Change Studios founder a member of my community as my
Our Place To Call Home is a much-needed An ideal community life for my brother non-disabled peers.
venue in Rochdale. We aim to meet the would involve inclusive services and spaces. It means feeling welcome, that barriers
needs of those with additional needs, I’d like him to be able to access healthcare, (physical and attitudinal) are removed and Christy Larwance: townscape; Seán Kelly/www.seankellyphotos.com; cafe; shop
disabilities and profound and multiple housing, leisure centres, restaurants – any support I need to engage and
learning disabilities, families and carers. public spaces and services where people contribute is available in the way I choose.
We’re proud we have a Changing Places are empathetic, kind, inclusive. They’re the same things that matter to
[fully accessible] toilet. Regular or Simple adjustments can make a huge everyone as laid out in the Social Care
disabled toilets don’t meet the needs difference. Everyone can play a role, from Future vision: “We all want to live in the
of the 250,000 people in the UK who the doctor making time to engage with him place we call home with the people and
require specialist facilities. Without these, without preconceptions to the waiter at things that we love, in communities
it’s no wonder our families were the cafe who’s always so welcoming. It’s where we look out for one another, doing
previously isolated. not complicated – we just have to care. the things that matter to us.”

16 Vol 36 No 1 | Autumn 2022 Community Living www.cl-initiatives.co.uk