Patients with learning disabilities share their experiences in ‘Book of Inspiration’ - The Stratford Observer

Patients with learning disabilities share their experiences in ‘Book of Inspiration’

Stratford Editorial 30th Jul, 2021   0

TOUCHING and personal quotes and art by people who use Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Partnership Trust’s (CWPT) Community Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Services have been collected together in a new ‘Book of Inspiration’.

Contributors to the book have shared their experiences, achievements, and special know-hows after using the Trust’s services – describing how the service has helped them to become more independent, confident and deal with everyday anxiety.

It also features their creativity, showcasing how art and creative writing has been a form of support and therapy.

Psychologist Liz Perryer supported the development of the book with people who attend the service and who were keen to tell their story to help others.




They also wanted to help others know about the support available and what a difference it can make by accessing help.

Together with Dr Liz Ashby, Lead Art Psychotherapist in the Coventry Community Learning Disabilities Team, they pulled together their stories and artworks which comprise the book.


Dr Ashby said: “Sometimes you can feel alone navigating and dealing with life with a disability or mental health disorder. The aim of the book is to show people how little steps and the right support can nurture you to overcome everyday obstacles and achieve great things.

Amelia, who attends the service, said: “I have to deal with autism every day. I swear, get angry and upset about the way people treat me every day. I haven’t got much of a social life to help me cope with trouble and strife.

“Lavender keeps me calm every day. Dark chocolate gives me energy through the day.”

Another woman who uses the service described how she enjoys being part of a drama group which integrates adults and children with and without disabilities, which has helped her to build her confidence and ‘escape’ for a while.

She said: “I quite like to wear different costumes to get into character. You’re not yourself anymore, you’re someone else, which feels good.

“I’ve made more friends and get to meet my old friends too.”

The Community Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Service supports adults aged 18 and over, providing a person-centred community-based service to adults with a learning disability in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. Visit https://tinyurl.com/7fpazfuu for more information.

The Book of Inspiration follows on from last year’s Virtual Art Gallery. Visit https://youtu.be/6ZT6BMQiwB0 for more.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/2a4fep28 to read the first edition of the Book of Inspiration.

Call the community learning disabilities team on 024 76 32 4380 to contribute to the Book of Inspiration.

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