We have set aside £19.8million to make the Borough the very best place for people with a learning disability to live, learn, work and feel supported.
CLASP (Caring, Listening and Supporting Partnership) is just one of the many vital local charity and volunteer groups we work with to support our residents to help them choose how they wish to live their lives.
Nikk, 35, has severe dyslexia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and suffers with both depression and sensory problems. Not only does this make it hard for him to process what’s going on around him, but it also impacts his choices and independence. But since joining CLASP six years ago, he says he has grown in confidence and his life has changed for the better.
“CLASP has given me a purpose and the ability to make positive changes. As well as being a member, I work for CLASP two hours a week as a paid employee alongside my volunteering. I help look after their website and social media, which we re-launched last year to make it more engaging, and our Facebook followers continue to increase.”
Nikk also attends weekly CLASP coffee mornings - an opportunity for those with learning disabilities and their carers to meet.
“CLASP is a friendship circle, we can socialise together and get involved in planning our upcoming events. I recently took part in a talent show where I overcame my anxieties by presenting, and surprised myself at my abilities. It also felt good to help raise money.”
As part of CLASP’s Take Notice campaign for positive change in the community, Nikk was consulted on Wokingham town centre’s regeneration, as well as our new learning disabilities strategy, to ensure learning disabilities were considered. He’s also had input into a new leaflet being produced by our libraries.
“It’s great that we’re listened to, our opinions are valued, and we’re included in decisions that can affect us all. Everyone is encouraged to have a voice. I feel my efforts in the Borough are important. There are no boundaries to what I can overcome and achieve.”
For further information about CLASP visit their website www.wokinghamclasp.org.uk
