Learning Disability Service aims to inspire
To honour the creativity, wisdom and lived experiences within our Learning Disability Service, we are proud to introduce the Service User and Family Carer Books of Inspiration, bringing together the voices of our community.
Inspired by narrative therapy, a strengths and values based approach used in health, education and social care, the books have allowed service users and family carers to share their stories, skills and knowledge, while aiming to help and inspire others on a similar journey.
The Service User Book of Inspiration was developed by the people who use our Learning Disability service, and features personal stories, achievements, artwork, poetry and much more.
The Family Carer Book of Inspiration was created by family carers of people who use our Learning Disability service and features personal stories, poetry, music recommendations and much more.
Each book was developed through individual work with psychology and group sessions at Monyhull Church. The group sessions gave participants the opportunity to connect with others, share wisdom, feel valued and build confidence. To mark the completion of the books, celebration launch parties were held for each Book and contributors proudly presented their work. Audience members shared how the work inspired them and resonated in their own lives.
Service users shared;
“This experience opened my mind”
“I felt proud and it was a good experience.”
Service users holding copies of the Service User Book of Inspiration at the project launch.
Family carers expressed;
“I felt really happy and proud of what had been achieved by everyone involved. It was moving hearing the family carers read out their work. We hope the book will share wisdom and help other family carers feel less alone with their experiences.”
“We were involved from beginning to end. We were involved right down to the colour of the book.”
Carer's holding copies of the Carer's Book of Inspiration at the project launch
Dr Liz Perryer, Clinical Psychologist and co-creator said:
“This collaborative work has been a career highlight. It has brought me great joy and pride to work with the service users and family carers on the books. To see the overwhelmingly positive response from people about the project was incredible.”
Both books are now available for download on our website.