Category: Success Stories

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.

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.

How Options connects Support Workers for success

Support Worker Liam, has had the privilege of supporting Peter for a few years now, and it’s inspiring to see how well known Peter is for his incredible talent in tennis and table tennis. With a collection of medals that includes a gold from the Shanghai Special Olympics at just 15 years old and a recent win of the Beryl Jarvis Open Cup for the second time, Peter is always up for a challenge running as well.

Together, they gradually built up his stamina with the goal of completing a 5K race. They continued to train together, and Peter has now completed 5K races multiple times and remains an enthusiastic runner. While he still participates in all his usual activities, running has become crucial for his mental health. He often shares how it gives him a sense of freedom and helps him achieve other goals in life.