about us
Hello… We are Social Link!
Our name actually tells a story, as we started as an evening club for adults with learning disabilities and our aim was to provide a safe space for individuals to make friends and socialise. But over time the charity has grown and our aims evolved to address the issues and challenges faced by adults with learning disabilities in today’s society. Our service is specifically for individuals over the age of 18, who because of their learning disability would be at risk of social exclusion and who will benefit from integration and interaction within their local community.
While our name has remained, we now offer our members a range of services to educate, stimulate, build confidence and ultimately encourage members to work towards their own potential independent future. We fully acknowledge that everybody has individual needs, wants, likes and capabilities. That is why we have attempted to provide variety in terms of the services we offer but also the weekly planned activities. Members have the freedom to choose, extending to contributing to decisions about the way the charity is run via our member forum and daily meetings.
All this we accomplish with the dedication and creativity of our Team. Each team member brings with them a unique blend of skills and experience as well as a sense of fun which makes learning enjoyable. We get to know each of our members enabling the creation and delivery of a personalised development plan that will help members to identify their own potential and reach for the stars!
Social Link is all about turning disabilities into abilities. With encouragement and guidance, individuals can realise their potential leading to a fulfilling life.
We feel that all adults with learning disabilities should be able to access such services, and we hope that we are part of the solution for many to get the support they need to flourish.
Our Aims
To provide an arena in which adults with learning disabilities can develop a social network and gain support from peers.
To promote independent living and the basic skills associated with this.
To encourage the integration and facilitate the interaction of members within their local communities.
To encourage all members to play an active role in the daily running and future evolution of our charity.
To provide programmes which include a diverse range of activities accessible to all our members irrespective of ability.
To provide a safe and supportive environment where our members can be themselves and focus on what they want to achieve.
Our Members
Stefan
The freedom reading brings
Upon turning 50, Stefan decided that he wanted to learn how to read. There was a world of information that he couldn’t access because he didn’t have the skills. Of course, the team at Social Link wanted to help and found the services of Easy Read. Since starting one-to-one reading sessions, Stefan is enjoying learning to read and is looking forward to a future where he can follow cooking instructions or simply just sit and enjoy a good book.
Claire
Living the dream
Living independently is something that Claire has always aspired to. Moving into a home with her boyfriend was the easy bit. The challenges for Claire came when she tried to cook, clean and shop which appeared so daunting. The Social Link Independence Group has provided valuable sessions to not only help Claire learn new household skills and prepare healthy meals but also to give her the confidence in herself and her abilities.
Rachel
Taking on a mountain
Rachel lives in supported living and is a woman who knows what she wants. Since joining Social Link, she has been keen to articulate what she wants to achieve and does not let anything hold her back. When our Team presented her with an opportunity to climb the largest peak in Wales, Mount Snowdon, she jumped at the chance.
Watch this space for updates on Rachel’s progress preparing for the climb.
Tom
Footy passion
Tom’s passion for football and of his beloved Wycombe Wanderers was the inspiration for Social Link FC! He was determined that with support he could build a team, get them training and ultimately compete against other disability teams in the Thames Valley area. Tom’s ideas have been implemented with the support of his co-coach and the future of the team is bright with so many new players wanting to take part.
The highlight of Tom’s football achievements has been to play a match inside Wembley Stadium at the invitation of the FA.