Wokingham

Paul Rickson from Earley always wants to help others with learning disabilities like his own, and make sure that their views are heard. And now Paul, a service user at Wokingham District Council’s Wokingham Resource and Opportunity Centre (WROC), has climbed the ranks of local and regional self-advocacy groups representing people with learning disabilities, and will soon represent the whole South-East region at a national conference.

Paul was a founder member of WROC’s Caring, Listening and Sharing Partnership (CLASP), a self-advocacy group that was set up after asking people with learning disabilities in the Wokingham district what kind of advocacy service they wanted.

As a member of CLASP, Paul joined the South-East regional group of the national forum for people with learning disabilities, and attended a conference which inspired him to stand for election as co-chair of the Wokingham Learning Disability Partnership Board (WLDPB). Paul won the vote and now co-chairs WLDPB meetings.

But local and regional work wasn’t enough for Paul. He has now been elected to represent the South-East Regional group on the national forum, and has just attended his first national conference in Loughborough (September 19).

The national forum collects the views of people with learning disabilities throughout England, and tells central government what they think about the services and policies that affect their lives.

Paul said: “I was quite nervous about going to the national forum. It was a very important job and there were a lot of people there. But I enjoy my work. I get to help people with their needs. Everyone has different needs and I get to hear them all.”

Executive member for social care services and housing Wokingham Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons said: “I am really proud of Paul, and proud of the Council's staff who helped him achieve this very important position. I would always encourage people in our district with learning disabilities to make full use of the opportunities on offer to speak up about their needs and hopes. Groups like CLASP are invaluable for helping to focus services and resources where they will be most useful. To see Paul go on to represent more people is wonderful – his dedication and confidence are to be applauded and I am delighted to see him taking this opportunity to maximise the impact of his work.”

CLASP is looking for ground floor office space in Wokingham town centre. If you can help, please call Julie Stevens on (0118) 979 2588.

Wokingham District Council