Stockdales – Making a difference

At Stockdales there’s a big focus on helping people to become as independent as they can be. Each year we help make a difference to the lives of 200 children, young people and adults with learning disabilities.

One service user, Tariq has been attending Lifeskills sessions at Stockdales for several years now.  Stockdales staff helped Tariq with route training and he now travels independently to his sessions at various locations.

Tariq spent time with Stockdales staff familiarising himself with sights and markers along his journey to Stockdales. He is now confident to travel independently to sessions on foot and using the tram.

“I go to Stockdales three times a week. I like to learn things in the Independent Living Skills classses which help me to be more independent at home, help me to eat healthy food and look after myself, and I am much better at crossing roads now!

Every week, a group of us go on walks with “Really Wild Lifeskills”, I enjoy the walks and the company. I go to woodwork where make things like bird boxes, feeders and planters which we can sell at the fairs and events which I really enjoy helping out at”.

Tariq went on to say, “It has helped me a lot and I feel great! I am a lot more independent and confident since I have been coming to Stockdales. I’m happy and very proud of myself. It changed my life. I get to meet new people and make friends; staff are kind, friendly and very helpful. I learn new skills; Staff help me with my life”

Emma Morris, chief executive at Stockdales said, “We are so proud of Tariq and his achievements. He’s a shining example of the “can-do” spirit that runs throughout Stockdales. Sometimes people just need a helping hand to set them on their way. Then there’s no stopping them!”

If you’d like to know more about Stockdales and their valuable work in the community, visit www.stockdales.org.uk or call 0161 973 2296.