Author: Dave Hardy

When we talk about inclusion, we often think of ramps, policies, or support plans. But real inclusion? That happens where everyday life does at the pub, over a pint, laughing with friends.

That’s exactly what Options’ Beer Club represents.

Launched in February 2023 by Christine Bithell from our Community and Inclusion team, Beer Club started as a way to bring people together around a shared passion: craft beer. But it quickly became much more than that. Meeting weekly at the Dead Crafty Beer Company in Liverpool, a group of people supported by Options found not just a good drink, but something rarer, a place where they could belong without question.

And that’s the point.

Too often, society doesn’t see people with learning disabilities in the places most of us take for granted. In the pub. At the football. Out dancing. We forget that inclusion isn’t about separate spaces it’s about being welcome in the same ones. Beer Club says, we’re here, and this space is ours too.

“Real inclusion happens where everyday life does – at the pub, over a pint, laughing with friends.”

Two years on, the group has blossomed. They’ve become loyal locals, familiar faces at Dead Crafty, and trusted companions to one another. The bond they’ve built over beers is rooted in friendship, mutual support, and pride. And now, they’re taking that sense of community further afield—exploring pubs across Merseyside and raising their glasses to new experiences.

This is what Learning Disability Week is all about: making the invisible, visible. Showing that people with learning disabilities don’t just want to be included, they are included, they’re active, social, and living full lives. Beer Club isn’t an exception. It’s an example of what happens when inclusion is done right.

So next time you’re at the bar, look around and ask yourself:

Do you see me in the pub?

If not, maybe it’s time to take another look.

For Christine, having her own space wasn’t just about redecorating – it was about reclaiming a part of her life. Living with a learning disability, Christine has faced challenges many don’t see. She once shared a lounge with other people, making it difficult for her to enjoy time in a peaceful space and decorate it to her taste. Christine, who takes pride in her appearance and home, longed for a place that reflected her personality – somewhere calm, welcoming, and entirely hers.

Christine’s lounge was transformed into a beautiful, quiet sanctuary where she could relax, host friends and family, and just be herself. The space also allows for quiet, undisturbed time.

The most touching moment came in December 2024 when Christine received her very first Christmas tree – something she’d never had before. Her advocate, Alison, and a close friend surprised her by decorating the tree while she was out. The emotion in the room was undeniable. It wasn’t just a tree; it was a symbol of how far Christine had come and how much this space meant to her.

Today, Christine keeps her lounge spotless and beautifully arranged. It’s more than just a room – it’s a reflection of her strength, her individuality, and the joy that comes from finally having a place that’s truly her own.