Grace Eyre wanted to employ more people with lived experience of a learning disability to support the running of The Reach, including organising and supporting activities in the community.
Gordon was already familiar with Grace Eyre, having joined as a Grace Eyre Member following his involvement in the Grace Eyre Friendship Group and then went onto to volunteer for Purple Productions helping to organise events all over Brighton. When the role of Reach Assistant was advertised, both Gordon and his Purple Productions Team Leader thought it would be a good fit and he was supported with the completion of his successful application. Gordon loves his role! Having a learning difficulty himself he feels he is in a position to better understand the people who Grace Eyre and in his own words ‘go that extra mile to make a difference’.
Engaging with people, encouraging them to get out and about, make new friends and socialise is a highlight of the role. Gordon finds out what people are interested in doing and then researches free or low cost options for people to get involved in. Part of the planning includes the creation and publication of posters for these activities. They have included sampling various coffee shops, bus rides to Maybury Garden Centre and walks to and from Brighton Pier.
Having been successful in securing some Mencap funding, Gordon used this to take a group of people to London for the day. Preparation for this involved everything from finding out where people wanted to go, what they wanted to do, and how to get there, to pricing, accessibility and accommodating additional support needs. The group went to Covent Garden, wandered around the market, had a bite to eat and visited the London Transport Museum. Everyone had a lot of fun doing something new and exciting, and spending time together.
The Grace Eyre staff at The Reach have been really supportive of Gordon in his role.
Service Manager at The Reach:
“Gordon has been a valuable part to the team since he joined us as Reach Assistant. He brings energy and enthusiasm to the role and has already been involved in organising some positive events and activities. He has attended a Speak Out Advocacy Day with someone we support and has started to foster positive links with other organisations in the city. He is in the process of planning a trip to London with some people – to make this happen he applied for funding from Mencap.”
Emma, Administration Co-ordinator:
“Gordon is hard working, friendly and very proud to work for Grace Eyre. He has grown in confidence so much since he started working as Reach Project Assistant and the people who use our service really enjoy his activity groups.”
Despite having had previous jobs in retail, Gordon commented how hard it it for people with a learning disability to get a job and how frustrating that can be. His advice to anyone considering applying for a similar role. “Be yourself. Be open. Do the best you can and go for it!”
Gordon wants to make a name for himself and raise awareness of people with a learning disability. He volunteers at Speak Out and continues to help out with Purple Productions.
About The Reach
The Reach at Grace Eyre is a welcoming space where the people we support can access our services when they need it. Users of The Reach are welcome to visit us in-person at our venue in Kemptown, Brighton during our opening hours.