Charlie, who has learning disabilities

Hello! My name is Charlie. I live in Gloucester with my mum. I find it difficult to do things on my own and Mum says I've got no sense of danger. I can talk a bit, but people don't always understand me. I don't hear very well and I can’t walk far because my left leg doesn't work properly.

We live a very quiet life. Dad died three years ago, but even before then we were always a family who kept themselves to themselves. We go to the supermarket twice a week – I look forward to that. Otherwise we watch a lot of television.

Now I've got a friend called Mary. She's been coming round for about a year. She's nice. I was a bit shy at first. When she wanted to take me out I didn't want to go. So mum came as well, and we went to Tesco's and had a cup of tea. That was OK, so next time we went again. I began to get used to going places with her! We’ve been to a farm and I stroked the animals which I really liked.

I feel good when we talk about things we might do together. Mary said we might go fishing, like I used to with my dad. I like going to car boot sales, so she’s going to take me. We won’t do big trips all the time, sometimes we’ll just go out for a drink, or to the shops, but we’ll do something every couple of weeks. And every few months we go to a big party – Mary calls them Circles Social Events – which are lovely, as there are lots of friendly people who smile and say hello.

Mum is pleased that Mary is my friend. She worries about me. She wonders what will happen when she's not there any more, but she doesn't want anyone else to look after me. Mum really likes the fact I'm going out and having fun - she’s not as young as she was and she gets very tired looking after me. She feels Mary is her friend too, as she can talk to her about things that worry her.
Both mum and I are much happier now, though mum says I'm getting much more demanding! Well, I know lots of things now, I like going out and I've got people besides mum who care about me. I'm changing- and I'm really enjoying it!

(This case study has been developed using the experiences of several people, and the name "Charlie" does not refer to any person known to our organisation.)

Diane, a volunteer

I read a statistic recently that said almost one in three people with learning disabilities say they do not have any friends. That made me feel sad. Building Circles offers a chance to change this, through the most simple things in life that many people take for granted – a chat in a coffee shop, a walk in the park.

Building Circles social events are filled with laughter, entertainment, singing and food so everyone leaves with a big smile on their face. Having no real experience previously of learning disabilities, it was going along to a social event and having a great time that “hooked” me in! Don’t worry if you don’t have any experience yourself, you’ll acquire it easily with the training and ongoing support.

I used to work at Cheltenham Volunteer Centre and I can definitely say that this is one of the most rewarding, fun and interesting volunteering opportunities in the area. Yes, I know I’m biased but I hope you’ll think so too!