Building Bridges event at Campus

Sep 30 2011 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

BUILDING Bridges, the group which helps improve opportunities for those with learning difficulties, held their third Focus Event at the Strathearn Community Campus on Saturday.

Focusing on housing, homes and an independent life for those with a learning or other disability, the event was attended by parents and carers from throughout Strathearn and Perth as well as their sons and daughters who all have their own aspirations.

The event featured a talk from Carole Reid, whose son Kim has made the transition from living at home to living in his own flat despite having some complex needs and extensive support requirements. It was an inspirational story and demonstrated what was achievable, and although this was a journey to independent living there were many pointers to the small steps that could be made along the way to attaining additional independence in any setting.

Perth and Kinross Adult Learning Disability Service manager, Paul Henderson, talked about service provision and housing in the current financial climate. He outlined the progress already made in moving away from a bias towards a residential solution to one that provides “your own front door” within the community.

Local artist June McEwan worked with attendees to produce an art project based on the type of home they would like in Crieff called “My House, In The Middle Of Our Street”. The artwork produced a spectacular patchwork of homes that anyone would be proud of.

Filming by Scottish Media provided the opportunity for participants to contribute to a promotional DVD about Building Bridges and their own aspirations for an independent life.

There were a number of budding film stars vying for the front of the queue and results from this part of the day are eagerly awaited.