Healthy Living
About one person in three with a learning disability is obese compared to one in five of the general population
Equal Treatment: Closing the Gap Interim Report, Disability Rights Commission (2005)
As a part of Healthy living, this year we are doing sessions on keeping fit.- Different methods of exercise like Aerobics, warm-ups, stretching, relaxation, Meditation methods has been introduced to members which has helped them achieve better health benefits.
- We conduct meditation classes every day before the main activity, helping members to cope with stress and better control their emotional feelings.
Badminton Classes
- Badminton coaching classes were arranged for The Powerhouse members by the England Badminton association.
- About 20 women attended these coaching classes for the first time.
- Subsequently we have been conducting sessions on badminton for members by our in-house Sports coach.
Advocacy
- We covered: what is advocacy, how it helps us, and our experiences.
- We taught our members how to express their views relating to the services, choices, rights, opportunities and problems faced by people with learning disabilities.
- Advocacy is about taking action to help people know their rights, to make sure their voices are heard and they get the help they need.
- Group Advocacy does this by: giving people information, helping them talk about their problems, making them feel strong and empowered to speak out.
Group Advocacy at the Powerhouse
- We have guest speakers to come and talk and give us specific information.
- We can ask those questions and find out how they can help us.
- We go to meetings in the community to make sure our voices are heard.
Life Canvas
- The Aim of this project at powerhouse is to develop confidence and descriptive skills.
- In addition to an increased self awareness/self perception of the members at powerhouse.
- The production of the life canvas will eventually explain her individual choice of objects and words.
- This was initiated with the use of personal regalia, language and colours and the task of having to explain the canvas to the rest of the group.
Art & Craft
- Women at the Powerhouse believe art and craft is a form of communication.
- It is another way of expressing themselves and their emotions.
- It encourages women in developing their skills such as drawing, belief in their abilities, feeling confident and secure.
Relationship Skills
- We taught how relationships shape our lives through simple role play. Our members learnt about healthy positive relationships with family, friends, partners, children and others. We also covered negative relationships and how they can impact our lives in a bad way.
Presentations Skills
- We taught skills on how to present information both written and verbal. We empowered our members so they would have more confidence when they needed to confront issues that bothered them.
Local Notices and activities
- We covered how to find local information on activities and events in Newham..We shared social news to reinforce communication skills, team working, and group harmony.
Outing
- We go on an outing once in every month
Bringing Communities Together
Powerhouse have been involved in the following task groups: Employment Task Group, Keeping Safe Group and the Living Neighborhood Participation Officer ensuring that the additional needs of women with learning difficulties are heard.
Diwali Celebrations at Powerhouse
- We wanted to teach our members about other cultures.
- During our sessions our members made Indian clay lamps and decorated them.
- We also incorporated Indian foods, flowers and dancing to help reinforce the fitness programmes we have put in place.
