Paul’s Place Pieces

This page is bursting with comments and pieces, which will give you an insight into what Paul’s Place is all about.

Ajit      (Member)

After my illness, social services told me about an Indian centre which I started to attend three times a week, but I didn’t really enjoy it at all. I knew I needed something different but spent the next six months at home totally isolated. My social worker heard about Paul’s Place, however it took a further two months for me to pluck up the courage and to go along to see what it was all about.  When I started I had no real friends, but, now I have so many and I am always looking forward to attending every week.  Pete (Boccia Coach) coerced me into joining the Boccia team, and I found a talent I do not know I had. I have played matches in many different places around the country and have enjoyed every minute of it. Paul’s Place has given me back a life which I’m loving.

Jon     (Member)

It was the summer of 2003 when I first went to Paul’s Place. I was very nervous but as soon as I went in I was made to feel very welcome. Ever since then I look forward to going. I have made so many friends for life and there are also lots of social events such as meals, discos, music concerts and holidays at home and abroad. Paul’s Place has now become a huge part of my life and without it my life would be incomplete.

Ben    (Member)

My name is Ben and I’m going to try to express what Paul’s Place means to me. I’ve only been coming to Paul’s Place for just under a year and I can honestly say that I would be lost without it. Although we have many different disabilities everybody is in the same position we all care for each other and we don’t ever feel awkward or left out. It is a wonderful place and I love it.

One liner’s from our Members

Andy              Makes me feel complete

Dean              Makes me feel alive

Peter              Makes me feel that I belong

Liz                   Makes me feel part of the community

Lisa                Gives me self worth, I feel like I’m a normal worthy person

Bill                  It’s just awesome, especially “Shirley” who makes me laugh

Michelle         Makes me feel complete, confident, and happy

Ben                Makes me feel valued and loved

Dave              I feel a sense of achievement

Lissane         Made me come out of my shell, and make friends

Chantal         I’ve always got someone to share my good and bad times with

Sarah             It gives me a reason to go on and I’ve found love with my Stuart

Clinton          I’ve now got friends, and we all look out for each other

Rosie (volunteer)

Before becoming involved with Paul’s Place as a volunteer, my vocabulary occasionally included the words ‘surprised’, ‘amazing‘ and ‘astonished’, but during the past 3 years I find myself continually struggling to use less exciting words to describe the unique environment that is Paul’s Place. 

I still never cease to be surprised at the diverse range of members who attend regularly, and at the fantastic selection of activities on offer. 

Today, for instance, whilst a group of young men  played snooker, other members made the most wonderfully decorated cakes, all at the same time that a lot of laughter was coming from those enjoying the afternoon quiz.  It was just amazing!

I’m sure I can speak for all of us, when I say Paul‘s Place is: surprising, amazing and often, simply astonishing! 

Lynne            (volunteer)

I joined Paul’s Place in April as a volunteer and was made to feel very welcome. It is a friendly place and I soon realised that it is not just an essential place for disabled people to belong, but it feels just like a very large family with it’s members understanding and supporting each other through good and bad times. I was amazed at the amount of outings that are organised. You would think that dozens of wheelchairs and coaches would not mix. “NOT HERE”. There’s no such thing as a problem just another challenge to overcome. This is a very special and amazing place and I am honoured to be a small part of it.

Mike   (volunteer)

I joined Paul’s Place in April 2008 as a volunteer and immediately was made to feel welcome. I have worked for many different organisations over the years, and Paul’s Place is the most rewarding place I have worked in. It is an honour to be part of it.

Last updated: 03 September 2009