People with learning disabilities and autistic people can be part of their community in different ways.
This can mean having a job, volunteering, doing activities in the local area, and being part of their neighbourhood.
Find opportunities in Surrey and learn how you can be active in your community.
Opportunities
The Care Act says that adult social care services should focus on your skills and abilities when deciding how to support you. This is called a strengths based approach
Focusing on your strengths - helping you use your skills and things you are good at. Not just focusing on the things you need help with.
Planning the life you want to have - helping you to think about what you really want to do, and how you can use your skills.
Friends and family support - this is about you, your friends and family all supporting each other. Not only relying on support from paid staff.
Choice and independence - helping you make your own choices, do more things for yourself, learn new skills, and having more control.
Learning to solve problems - helping you to manage when things might be difficult, and helping you to learn to sort out problems yourself.
Thinking about your wellbeing - as well as staying healthy, this is about building your confidence, and living a life that makes you happy.
Being involved in your community - using local shops, libraries and sports centres. Making relationships with people in your community, and using your skills to help others.
Your social work team, and other people who support you will use this strengths based approach.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a good way to learn new skills and use your time to help other people. Some people volunteer to get experience which they can use to find a job.
Volunteering can be for just a few hours every month, or it can be more such as volunteering for a few days every week.
We have a list of volunteering websites in Surrey.
Exercise, leisure and transport
Doing sport and activities you enjoy is important for staying healthy and making friends.
You can use Surrey Information Point to search for sport and exercise groups in Surrey.
Active Surrey has information about doing exercise if you have a disability and/or health condition.
10 Today is a national campaign to increase physical activity amongst older people across the country. It helps to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of people.
Transport
Surrey County Council has information on buses and other transport services available in Surrey.
Surrey Adult Learning
Surrey Adult Learning provides inclusive opportunities to promote learning, health and wellbeing.
With seven dedicated adult learning centres in North and South West Surrey, plus nearly a hundred community venues and an extended online programme, Surrey adult learning strive to meet the needs of learners in and around Surrey.
There are hundreds of courses to choose from and there is something to suit everyone, of all ages and abilities.
They have centres in:
- Camberley
- Esher
- Guildford
- Molesey
- Sunbury
- Woking
Courses on offer include
- Creative Art and Craft, Textiles, Mosaics
- Dance, Exercise and Performing Arts
- English and Maths
- ICT, Media and Photography
- Independence Skills and Healthy Living
- Work Skills
To find out more visit surrey supported learning.