Men supported to share experiences of living with learning disabilities

A dedicated group for men with learning disabilities is helping them to share support and advice on various aspects of day-to-day life.

The group provides a safe space for them to come together to discuss and explore topics that matter to them.

With a peer support approach, its focus is on sharing advice and experiences to help develop and strengthen skills and build resilience.

Topics can cover many areas, including relationships, identity, communication and physical and mental health management.

Pictured: Huw Davies and Gavin Price.

It is run by occupational therapy technical instructor Gavin Price and specialist psychology practitioner Huw Davies, who are part of the community learning disability team in Cardiff which is managed by Swansea Bay.

Gavin and Huw work together to make sure the group meets the needs of all of the men taking part.

Although they structure the sessions, the group navigates itself through the process in a way which allows each member the opportunity to explore their own specific needs.

It is hoped that by sharing their life experiences, the men can help others attending the group who may have experienced similar things.

“Originally we started off with a curriculum with particular sessions running on particular topics,” Huw said.

“It was psychoeducational with lots of skills being taught from the occupational therapy side of it and a bit of problem solving and basic cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) incorporated too.

“Then we realised the value of the group was that men brought their own issues and had an opportunity to discuss them with other men in a safe environment where they could problem solve together.

“From being a very structured psychoeducational group, it’s become much more open, and the men can choose what they want to talk about.”

The group runs over a 10-week period, with participants referred by healthcare staff, support workers and local authorities.

While Gavin and Huw facilitate the group and offer support and guidance, it is very much influenced by the topics the men want to explore.

Gavin said: “Men can find it really difficult to talk just generally about personal issues.

“Before the sessions start, we try to group people based on what we think they might want to talk about.

“We get people to explore the realities of their worlds and just being in that peer group, they get to realise that it’s not just them.

“We give them a platform to discuss things and give them tools and techniques to help but most importantly, we let them hear other people’s experiences.”

Being able to have open discussions around the issues they face can help those involved to gain information and skills to help address them.

The group can also help individuals to develop the skills and confidence they need to achieve their goals, make informed decisions, and ultimately lead fulfilling lives.

Huw added: “We know the value of the group and people congregating together and meeting up and having the opportunity to talk about what's going on in their life.

“It is an opportunity for men to talk about their health in terms of diet, exercise, mental health.

“It has really positive outcomes for people.

“The power of it really is that we create an atmosphere where people at different stages can engage with the whole process.”

At the end of the 10-week period, feedback is given to those who initially made the referral.

Gavin and Huw can also signpost the men to other avenues of support, such as community organisations, if they deem it appropriate.

The pair were nominated at the health board’s annual Living Our Values Awards this year, in the Working Together category.

The event celebrates health board staff who go above and beyond in delivering excellent care and services.

Rachel Thomas, lead occupational therapist for learning disabilities, said: “The men’s group provides peer support and creates a sense of community for its members.

“Participants are empowered to learn from one another, improve their wellbeing, and develop the skills and confidence they need to navigate various challenges in their lives.

“The group works closely with stakeholders and other organisations to identify the needs and concerns of its members and tailor its approach to meet those needs in a holistic way.

“By bringing together diverse perspectives and resources, the group is better equipped to address the complex and varied challenges that its members face.”