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How proud am I
So hear goes... Until Paul’s
Place came into existence there was no group supporting adults with
physically disabilities in Bristol and the surrounding counties. I had
previously worked with physically disabled adults over a number of years and
had always felt that this group were treated so differently from the rest of
society and were often patronised. I knew that
things should and could be so different, as all people need is to be treated
with respect. Paul’s Place
began life in 1995. I asked some of my friends who were disabled if they
wanted to go out during the evenings socializing, and I would get other
friends to support them with their needs. It was an immediate success. This
was due to the fact that the charity belonged to its members. Everyone that
belonged to Paul’s Place had the same rights as everyone else. All of the
activities and programme were decided by its
members. This created an environment that our members owned and all of us
loved it, and willed it to be successful. Our rather unusual name was due to
a very special friend Paul Willmott. Paul had
wanted to be involved with this new group. Sadly Paul passed away just as the
group was formed. It is in his memory that we carry on our activities and he
will always be remembered by our rather unusual name. At first we
met just once a month that quickly evolved to 150 evening per year. These
evenings are great and give our members the chance to go out all over Bristol
and catch up with their friends. Over the next seven years we just grew and
grew. One of the very special activities has been providing holidays. These
are fantastic. Most of our members had never been away with friends of their
own age and to be part of these has been wonderful. Seeing young people have
the opportunity to express them selves in what ever way they want is heart
warming. Our holidays have a double benefit when our members are away
with us the relatives/carers have time off to relax
and recharge their batteries. Part of the
Paul’s Place ethos is to support the whole family and this is something we
have always taken and continue to take very seriously. Right from the early
days we have always been there with a shoulder to cry on, a giggle and a
laugh and also to share information regarding all disabled issues. After five
years we began to look at what are members did during the day. There was only
one day centre and most of the people that attended were older people and
most of our group was young. We knew then that we needed to get the funding
to open during the day. That was the hardest challenge ever. It took two
years to get the funds. And then we were ready to go. Our day facility has
just grown and grown and is the most fantastic place. Warm and friendly what
more could you ask for. Over the last 13 years Paul’s Place has grown out of
all recognition from the small group that used to meet in the evening.
However, its basic philosophy of promoting inclusive activities for disabled
people remains unchanged. The effect of becoming a member offers many
positive opportunities for the person and their family. Members are
enabled to make connections with their local communities and participate in
ways that others take for granted. Loneliness, isolation and depression are
identified as feelings experienced by many members before they attend Paul’s
Place. There is a therapeutic element to participation in our activities.
Members are enabled to discuss their feelings with others by participating in
group activities. This seemingly low-tech activity has enabled participants
over the years to come to terms with their situations, develop new ways of
coping and maximising their potential to live
independently in the community. Paul’s Place has always belonged to its
members and we will never forget never why Paul’s Place started and that the
charity belongs to its members. I hope that Paul’s Place will always be there for
everyone that needs it and I will always hold my head high knowing that I
have been a part of it. Kath Aldom
MBE |
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