Learning Disabilities

I have learning difficulties, mild autism and I am deaf. I have been coming to Aspire Wellbeing for many years and presently attend four days a week. I like to use the gym to help me keep mobile and to help me to lose weight. I have been developing my computer skills in in various ways, whether it be by investigating histories of famous people and compiling photo, or by playing educational games, and generally becoming more independent in the use of the computer. I am also learning to sign BSL (British Sign Language) with my BSL Relay Signer and others, more and more. I play bingo on Friday afternoons and I am really able to participate as I can see the numbers come up on the bingo number machine. My highlight from last year was the time I spent on holiday in the Isle of Wight with others from the centre. The weather was great and I was able to enjoy the night life. Some of the Aspire Wellbeing staff and other day care members know how to use sign language and we are able to communicate in a limited way. I’m glad that there is another deaf BSL user attending the centre now – but I would prefer it if even more deaf people joined.

I have cerebral palsy, learning difficulties and I am deaf. I use a wheelchair to travel to and from the centre but, once there, I use my four-wheeled rotator to get about to the various sessions that I participate in. I have been coming to Aspire Wellbeing for  some years and presently attend on three days a week. I like to use the gym and try to use the equipment as independently as possible. But, if I do need help, the staff are right there and always willing to help. I have been learning how to use the computer more and more, developing my computer skills and sign BSL (British Sign Language) with my BSL Relay Signer and others. I play bingo on Friday afternoons, independently. My favourite highlight from last year was the time I spent on holiday in the Isle of Wight with others from the centre. Some of the Aspire Wellbeing staff and other day care members know how to use sign language. I’m glad that there is another deaf BSL user attending the centre now and I would like it if more deaf people joined. It would be great also if there could be a BSL interpreter at every meeting.

I had a stroke in 2013. I am 35 years old and I was in full-time employment at the time. I have been coming here now for eight weeks as part of the NHS stroke rehabilitation programme I come to the gym three times a week and use the treadmill, leg machines, leg press, shoulder press, leg curl, leg extension, and do some floor exercises.

The centre is friendly, well-kept and there are lots of staff available to support you. I celebrated Christmas here, and I am looking forward to my birthday in April. Aspire Wellbeing will help you to overcome your challenges. Anyone can achieve the goals they have set, especially when you have expert help and support to hand. You can come here in a wheelchair or with a walking stick, and everyone will treat you as a normal person, exactly how you wish to be treated.

I have rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and I have had a number of operations on my chest, hip, knees and hands. I also have poor eye sight. I have been coming to the centre for a number of years, three times a week. I do exercise in the gym, and I go to the women’s group and the Bible group. I enjoy coming here because I can meet people. It gets me out of the house and I enjoy doing my exercise sessions. I like to take part in everything, such as a finished article of knitting. The staff are very helpful and friendly. I have seen a lot of improvement in the gym area, with lots of new equipment and the area is now a great deal bigger and better.

I had a stroke four years ago and I have been coming to the centre two days a week for three years. I do an exercise programme in the gym – the gym equipment is really good. All the highly qualified staff do an excellent job of helping me. I get along with everyone. It is fun to exercise here, and the environment is not intimidating like other gyms. I got engaged last year to the love of my life. Exercise is crucial at this centre where they maintain positive communication and understanding.