GOALS
GOALS is an established community based day care and out of hours service for people with learning disabilities. The service is user led and based on individual needs, personal aims and objectives. A range of opportunities supported by staff and trained volunteers is available and includes the opportunity to recognise personal development and accredit skills through working towards an OCR qualification.
Referral Criteria
- Community Day Care, Adults with learning disabilities living in North Durham and Chester-le-Street.
- Peer Friendship, 11-16yrs and identified from mainstream and special needs schools.
- Referrals from care managers, care co-ordinators, health professionals, teachers, carers or self.
Helen was referred to the project by care co-ordinator because she was recovering from a serious illness which had left her with memory lapses, no confidence and health issues regarding mobility.
After an introductory period of 6 weeks Helen was offered a 1 day placement within the day care setting. All sessions were planned to meet the identified aims and objectives and she was given the opportunity to participate in a range of activities that concentrated on improving memory and confidence, especially in community settings. The staff team were very supportive in encouraging her to regain her lost independence and ability to make informed choices.
Helen gradually improved and was able to walk unaided. Her memory began to return and, with it, her confidence. A demonstration of this was her ability to give a short talk to student social workers about her illness and to answer any of their questions.
After 7 months Helen was able to return to her previous work placements and to travel independently on public transport, she then made the choice to leave the project and to continue with her previous identified ambitions.
Download
GOALS Peer 2 Peer Postcard [456kb] GOALS Information Leaflet [460kb]Contact
115a Gilesgate, Durham, DH1 1QG
Tel: 0191 - 384 2785
Fax: 0191 - 386 9192