36; that’s the number of years I have spent in day services. If I think about it, It seems a long time! My name is Robin and in 1978 when I was 17 I joined Causeway Green Day Centre in Sandwell, I was there for many years. The staff were friendly and kind to me, but in those days people with disabilities did not have many choices or were not encouraged to lead independent lives. We just did what the staff told us.

All my experiences every day were contained in the building, rarely venturing out into the local community. We were ‘hidden’ in our community seen almost as ‘tourists’.

Following on from the closure of Causeway Green, I moved to Thimblemill Baths, which was another day centre. The building and location had changed, but my life was still the same. Similarities were there; the staff were pleasant, but again I rarely went out and the in-house activities did not interest me. When I did go out it was as a group activity which was usually chosen by the staff; I don’t remember being asked what I wanted to do.

The last day centre I used was Wood Lane in West Bromwich. Life improved slightly for me, I did sometimes go out, and although the staff did give us a choice, the activities were not individual ones and involved journey on a mini bus. The hardest part for me was not having any choice or independence.

We were hidden in our community seen almost as tourists

When I look back on my life in services, I could probably count on both my hands the number of times I have been out into the community doing something I had chosen myself. I am not sure I really realised how little I did, until now!

My life and opportunities now are so very different, in fact I am doing things that I would have never done or even been prepared to try. The Windmill Centre, which is known as Sandwell Council’s South Enablement, is my base. I refer to it as a ‘base’, because it’s where I meet my support worker, Michael, but not somewhere I spend all my days.

Michael supports me when I go out. We work together to plan my activities; this also includes how we are going to get there. He takes the time to listen to the sort of things I am interested in doing.

One of my first trips was to Coventry. I have a real interest in historical events and buildings. We went to the old cathedral, which was bombed during the war. I travelled by train to get there. I never thought I would have gone on a train, but I have. I feel more confident and am prepared now to try new things.

During my time at the new cathedral in Coventry I was fortunate to see an exhibition of historical paintings. This was displayed in the cellar of the cathedral, and because the whole building was accessible I could go and look at it. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

What has changed the most is the different areas I visit; I have never really left Sandwell before, but now I can tick Birmingham, Kidderminster, Walsall and Wolverhampton off my list.

I feel more confident and am prepared now to try new things

For people that know me, they know about my love and fascination with Elvis! I have found a shop in Walsall which sells memorabilia, such as posters, pictures, souvenir mugs and tapestries. This is where I like to go and spend my money. I travelled on the bus to Walsall which was a very different experience; last time I was on a bus was in the 1970’s and there were bus conductors. Now I use my bus pass.

My passion for steam trains was realised at the Severn Valley Railway station. I travelled by train to get there and it was worth the journey. Some of the carriages are accessible for disabled people, so I could travel up to Bridgnorth. What an experience!

Michael, my support worker, has noticed changes in me and how much control I have of my own activities, “He is making decisions, before the staff made all the decisions and organised it”.

Having the right support has increased my opportunities to get out, I am mixing with the community and when you are stuck between four walls you have to mix with people that are there; not always the people you choose.

When you are stuck between four walls you have to mix with people that are there; not always the people you choose

My confidence has soared and what is noticeable is how many new things I want to try. Before I would always say no, maybe because I was scared of change, or perhaps I didn’t feel I had the right support. Recently I went to the cinema, I went to the Showcase in Dudley, Castle Gate. I saw The Sweeney, it was good, although I found it a bit loud. Last time I went to the cinema was in the 1970’s to the Odeon in Birmingham, it was all steam driven then.

I was supposed to see 101 Dalmatians but it ended up being Fantasia, It was the most the boring film I have ever seen, if you like ballet its great, but I found it boring. The cinema has changed such a lot; there are more facilities, screens and wheelchair spaces and they have got surround sound, they have not got a bloke in a back cranking the handle!

Last time I went to the cinema was in the 1970’s

One of the places I have travelled to is Sutton Coldfield.I went on the bus, using my bus pass. I looked around the shops and went a walk around the precinct. Whilst I am out Michael supports me to take more control over my money. I hand over the money, and am expected to collect my change. Michael’s role is to ensure I have the right change. On occasions sometimes he has to pay on my behalf as not all shops are very accessible to wheelchairs. Having control of my own money means I am able to make my own choices, and further increase my independence skills.

Having control of my own money means I am able to make my own choices

When you have used services for as long as I have, you miss out on so many everyday activities. I had never been bowling, so Michael, I and a few other people went. “When I used Wood Lane I used to sometimes go bowling but it was with everyone, mainly people I would not choose to socialise with”.

This time a small group of us went, people I chose to go with, people like Christian and Stephen.

When you have used services for as long as I have, you miss out on so many everyday activities

I really hope my story shows how positive someone’s life can be and why it is so important to be a part of your local community and have a voice! I am looking forward to the future and new possibilities.

Going back in time to look at the lives of people with learning disabilities from a historical perspective and celebrating peoples positive lives and experiences now

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