Growing Together at the Learning Disabilities National Forum

There was plenty of fun as well as moments of reflection at this year’s CrossReach Learning Disability Services’ National Forum held in Hamilton this week.

Organised by a small team of volunteers, the event provides a platform for feedback from all those using CrossReach Adult Learning and Disability services.

The theme of this event was “growing together” with the aim of building even better services for those who use them.

Taking place at St John’s Parish Church in Hamilton, the event opened with a welcome song led by forum planning committee member, Margaret who is part of the Eskmills Service.

Questions were then asked to four special guests at the event, Viv Dickenson, CrossReach CEO; Rt Rev Dr Shaw J Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; John MacDonald, acting head of service for learning disabilities at CrossReach and Vic Walker, director of adult care services at CrossReach.

A presentation was also given by the chairperson of the National Involvement Network (NIN), a network of people with additional support needs. The group meet regularly to discuss issues which matter to those with additional support needs with the aim of allowing them to have more say in what happens within the organisations which support them. 

Michael spoke to us after his presentation and said the key message he wanted to get out at the event was to allow those with additional support needs “to have their voices heard and not have decisions made for them.”

A moving performance was also enjoyed from the Makaton Choir who performed a terrific rendition of ‘When You Say Nothing At All.’

After the presentations were over, attendees were invited to give their feedback, writing down things they liked about current services as well as things they’d like to see improved.

Once all answers were in, those taking part sat down for a nice lunch before taking part in various fun activities including a silent disco, zumba and arts and crafts.

Speaking after the event, John MacDonald told us: “What we are really inspired by from days like today are how ambitious people are for their lives. We want our staff to be able to pick up on that and really support people to fulfil their dreams in any way that they can.”

We also managed to catch up with some of the event’s planning committee members.

Committee member Robert said it was “brilliant” to see the event come to life after putting a lot of work into it.

Meanwhile fellow committee member Margaret added: “It was amazing seeing a lot of different people here today. It was good to sing the CrossReach welcome song too! - It would be good to see more people involved in planning things like this. I do a lot of volunteering, and I really enjoy that.”

Rt Rev Dr Shaw J Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland was also full of praise for the event.

He said: “It was really a ray of sunshine to see the joy, the fun and the happiness of a session led by the adults who use the service. The singing, the interaction, the activities - it’s absolutely wonderful.”

He also took a moment to praise the performance of the Makaton Choir, adding: “What a surprise to hear the Makaton Choir. They were at the General Assembly, and they were an absolute hit. To be back with them and to see them perform, that’s made my day.”