Living life to the full
Linkability knows how to party. Its 25th anniversary bash was a joyous occasion for everyone – service users, carers, staff, sponsors, even an editor, couldn’t resist joining in the fun. Elinor Harbridge was lucky enough to be invited.
Linkability’s 25th anniversary was an opportunity for the charity to show how it fulfils its slogan ‘Live Life to the Full’. And it certainly did. As soon as the music started, everyone was on the floor, enthusiastically following the dance moves ably demonstrated by Peter Pamphlettt and Jen Blackwell of DanceSyndrome. DanceSyndrome is a group of trained dancers, both with and without learning disabilities, based in Chorley, Lancashire.
It was an evening when everyone felt appreciated. Linkability’s chairman, Paul Jonas, thanked all who had helped them reach this anniversary. “In the current climate, it takes good leadership,” he said, “and Dave Naden has given us this leadership. It was his vision that has led us to this anniversary”.
Many prizes were presented, including some to people with learning disabilities for their help in interviewing prospective staff and with quality assurance. The occasion also marked a new staff award scheme, funded by interdependent companies with nominations and winners coming from all stakeholders involved in Linkability. Best practice awards were given to Kathleen Backledge (gold) and Darren Wright (silver). The new-comer awards went to Michael Hodkinson (gold) and Sarah Leary (silver). The leadership award was presented to Amanda Thompson (runner-up Samantha Croniken). Highly commended awards were received by Martin Ormerod and Carole Porter for their exceptional back-office contributions.
This was a truly inclusive event much enjoyed by every one of the 220 guests.
The roots of success
Linkability was founded in 1989 inspired by a group of families supported by local professionals. It opened its first house in May 1990 to support four people with learning disabilities and complex health and care needs. Then 12 staff were employed (of whom three remain today). It now cares for 64 individuals across Chorley and South Ribble/Heywood, Middleton and Richdale and employs 167 people.
Inclusive dance sessions
DanceSyndrome offer dance workshops for people with and without learning disabilities in the North West.
Its trained dancers, also with and without learning disabilities, work alongside each other. You can choose Everybody Dance, a fun accessible and inclusive dance fitness session, the Interaction Zone or Timeout, a dance and movement session for people referred by their GP to build confidence.
For more information contact Laura tel. 07411082599, email:info@dancesydrome.co.uk
