Author: Options Empowers

Joe had always lived with his parents, and his life was structured and predictable, with support from Options’ outreach team from 10am to 3pm, five days a week. This routine provided him with stability and comfort.

At 53, Joe faced a series of personal tragedies that made it impossible for him to stay in his family home. Moving into his own flat was overwhelming but necessary. This transition brought new challenges: unfamiliar surroundings, new routines, and different support staff.

Joe, who does not use words to communicate, initially found the change difficult. He spent most of his time alone in his bedroom, avoiding common spaces and sticking to his familiar habits. His interactions with support staff were brief and functional. The support staff respected his need for space and did not force conversations or activities on him.

Over time, the consistent and patient support helped Joe adjust. Support workers learned to read his non-verbal cues and respected his pace. They provided quiet reassurance through their presence, without making demands or having expectations.

Gradually, Joe began to venture out of his bedroom. He started by standing in the lounge, then sitting at the dining table while a staff member prepared tea. Eventually, he began spending time in the lounge with the staff, enjoying the quiet company.

Joe’s flat transformed from a place of existence to a home where he felt he belonged. Because of the way Joe was supported, his confidence continued to grow. With the right support, Joe was able to rebuild his life at his own pace and in his own way.

Joe’s journey highlights the importance of patient, consistent support in helping people adjust to significant life changes. By respecting Joe’s pace and providing a stable environment, the Options support staff helped him find a sense of belonging and independence in his new home.

Most of us fondly remember our first festival, often a vibrant experience that typically happens in our early 20s, where we become completely immersed in the music, the lively atmosphere, and the freedom of dancing in our wellies on a muddy field. For Anne, however, her debut festival experience arrived in her 60s. Despite being in her 60s, Anne didn’t allow age to hold her back—she joined the lively crowd with infectious energy. Upon our arrival, she eagerly set up her camping chair in the heart of the field, soaking in the atmosphere as she listened to a few artists on the main stage, joyfully clapping and swaying with the music.

The moment Anne treated herself to a bucket hat, the true festival experience truly came alive. No longer content with sitting, she excitedly made her way to one of the other tents, positioning herself at the barrier to catch a glimpse of a Smiths tribute band. Though she wasn’t familiar with their music, it didn’t matter to her; she celebrated in their enthusiastic performance, determined to create excitement as she danced joyfully to the rhythm. When the tribute Morrissey singer tossed his flowers into the crowd, Anne enthusiastically called out for him to throw one her way, and he did, which made Anne’s day.

As the afternoon unfolded, the weather began to shift. Dark clouds rolled in, and the first raindrops fell, with some festival-goers hurriedly seeking shelter while others embraced the rain as part of the experience. Anne, sporting her bucket hat, chose to remain near the main stage, steadfast in her refusal to let the weather dampen her spirits. The rain added an unexpected intensity to the festival’s atmosphere, making the experience all the more memorable. The crowd continued to pulse with energy, and as the music played on, people danced joyfully in the rain, transforming a potential setback into an exhilarating highlight.

Even amid the wet conditions, Anne’s day at the Look-A-Like Festival remained overwhelmingly positive and enriching. She stepped beyond her comfort zone, savoured incredible live performances, and wholeheartedly

embraced the festival spirit. By the time the event wrapped up, she felt a rush of exhilaration and was certain this wouldn’t be her last encounter with the magic of music festivals. That day gifted her not just a newfound appreciation for live music, but also a sense of adventure, and the realisation that sometimes, the most beautiful experiences arise from embracing the unexpected.

An unfortunate reality that many people with learning disabilities face is having limited life experiences, such as going to your first festival. As music events often lack the necessary reasonable adjustments and accessibility. Hence why people like Anne do not have these experiences until later in life. Our Inclusion Coordinator, Clara, recognised this gap and understood that many of the people we support miss out on these incredible experiences altogether. As an avid music lover and dedicated festivalgoer, Clara organised for people to attend this local tribute festival known for its accessibility, hoping it would serve as a stepping stone toward attending more mainstream festivals in the future.