Woking Borough Council

Summer 2009

Features

Founded in 1989, Link Leisure is a local charity, providing supported access to social, recreational and sporting activities for children and adults with learning disabilities. This year, Link Leisure is celebrating its 20th birthday and the trustee board along with the management team were delighted to hear that they had been named by Cllr Tina Liddington - the new Mayor - as one of her chosen charities.

From the outset, Link Leisure's aim was to alleviate the isolation suffered by people with learning disabilities and provide some respite for their families. Link Leisure's aim of helping its members to live the most satisfying and independent life possible, through development, is absolutely paramount. It is a key aim of the charity to ensure that people with learning disabilities are seen out in the community, enjoying everyday activities, as this is crucial to their acceptance in society.

Society's perceptions and treatment of people with learning disabilities has changed significantly over the years, as Lesley Pitt, Link Leisure's General Manager explains: "Some thirty years ago, people with learning disabilities (or `the mentally handicapped" as they were known then) were pushed to the edge of society and they were often hospitalised as a matter of course. Eventually, the concept of care in the community was accepted as the best way forward and the emphasis gradually moved from dwelling on disability towards focussing on ability."

From very small beginnings, the charity has grown to a membership of almost 500, with the ages of members ranging from 4 to 70 years. The charity works with children and adults with a broad range of learning disabilities - some may have mild developmental delay whilst others have profound or more complex needs such as cerebral palsy and severe autism.

Link Leisure's members can choose to participate in a diverse programme of fun activities which satisfy different needs. Children can enjoy after-school activities such as IT, swimming and art, all of which can help them to develop their confidence and social skills. Not only this, but families can benefit from respite when their loved one is enjoying the Link Leisure experience. This is extremely important as the parent of a Leisure Link member explains: "It's great to have time to myself once a week and during holiday schemes. I can give some attention to my other children knowing that my daughter is in safe hands and she is always in such a good mood when she comes home."

Link Leisure's adult programme includes nightclub events at Quake in Woking, a choir, drama club, football and swimming clubs. Sometimes just going down the local pub can pay dividends: "Some of our members really benefit from activities like this because they learn how to handle money, deal with different situations and socialise with others. This then leads to greater self-confidence and independence," says Lesley.

Currently based in Board School Road in Woking, Link Leisure is keen to expand its horizons and grow its membership in the future. The charity is in the process of rebranding itself as part of its preparations for the next stage of development but it hopes that more may be to come: "We would love to have more space to host different activities and offer a welcoming, well-equipped environment for people with a wide range of needs. We also have a number of ambitious projects, including a trip to Spain with a group of young learning disabled people, for which we are seeking additional funding.

"We are, of course, very grateful for the funding that we currently receive from local authorities and we are especially pleased to be one of the new Mayor's charity's for the year, but we are keen to raise even more money to build an even better future for people with learning disabilities." says Lesley.

Dates for your diary

If you would like to support Link Leisure, you could always go along to one of their fundraising events planned for later on in the year. Here are two key dates for your diary.

20 years of success - awards and entertainment evening

Saturday 26 September 2009, H.G. Wells Conference and Events Centre

Help Link Leisure to celebrate its 20th birthday in style at this special awards evening which will include a three-course meal and a disco afterwards. Tickets cost £35 and are available by calling 01483 770037 or emailing marie.camplin@linkleisure.org.uk

Saturday 28 November 2009, The Runnymede Hotel

This very special evening includes a three-course dinner, dancing and lots of entertainment. It's a great opportunity to put on your best bib and tucker on the lead up to Christmas. Tickets cost £65 each and are available by calling 01483 825823 or emailing hopefiona@ntlworld.com

Link Leisure is always on the lookout for new volunteers to help with events and activities which take place during evenings and weekends. If you are keen to help other people, are patient and feel able to deal with people who sometimes have difficult behaviours, Link Leisure wants to hear from you.

In return for your time and effort you can expect to benefit from positive experiences, as Lesley explains: "As well as expanding their experience of learning difficulties, we find that our volunteers really grow and develop during their time with us. Giving people with learning difficulties the opportunity to really enjoy themselves and feel part of a group is extremely rewarding and our volunteers feel that they are making a positive difference to their lives."

Join the Trustee Board

Link Leisure is governed by a board of honorary trustees. They are keen to add more skills to support the charity's continuing development. If you have a business or professional background and might consider getting involved, please contact Brenda Infante - Lead Trustee on Governanace - email infantejb@aol.com or telephone 01483 770037.