Director - Alison Downer
As a Director of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and user of both mental and physical health services, I care passionately about disabled people and their social life or rather lack of it!! This can be a salvation, bringing good quality to their lives, which in turn gives happiness, social interaction and stimulation, within their disabilities and their futures.
I have gained experience with the above while being a service user with mental & physical ill health. I run a User Led group for social activities, which helps people build confidence with shopping for daily food, clothes & how to manage cafes and restaurants which most people with mental issues do not have the confidence to do on their own.
So, building confidence as a group, when on outings in a mini-bus, learning, having fun, enjoying an outing as a group and days out.
I also feel strongly about all disabled people being introduced to new hobbies and with key worker support introduced to new activities for a time until confidence is gained with increased self esteem and a sense of achievement.