REACT

Girl typing on laptop

React was formed in September 1995 to promote the rights of people with learning disabilities through the development of training, research and consultation led by people with learning disabilities. At that stage React was an informal, stand-alone project. It has now been adopted by Caritas Care.

The team works to develop a sustainable resource that is for people with learning disabilities but most uniquely is informed and directed by them. React has been awarded a grant from the Community Fund to develop the management, accountability and governance of the project.

The success and profile of React in Preston lead to calls for similar opportunities to be delivered elsewhere. In 2005 React - Lancaster was born around a focus on self-advocacy and the need for appropriate representation on the Lancaster Partnership Board.

Services

React - Research Action by people with learning disabilities - carries out training, provides consultancy and undertakes research for people and by people with learning disability. Since 1995, React has spoken out for people with learning disabilities and enabled them to speak up for themselves and address themselves the issues they face.

Through this work REACT has gained an impressive reputation and credentials as an organisation led by people with learning disabilities that serves communities, partnership Boards and statutory services wishing to improve the delivery of their services by including disabled people in decision making processes.

Additional services include:

  • Karibu - a Youth Theatre project
  • Accessible information service
  • Vocational training and employment
  • Harambee

Karibu

Karibu means "welcome" in Swahili. We used this title for a youth theatre group of young adults aged between 16 and 25 years who have learning disabilities. The group explored social issues and had fun through the medium of drama and role play. Unfortunately funding dried up in 2005 - so Karibu, like many in the acting world, is resting.

Accessible Information service

React has developed a reputation for developing information for people who do not read. Using pictures, simple text and clear writing REACT offers this service to people and organisations wishing to ensure improved access to information for people with learning disabilities.

Vocational training and employment

Training is offered through a variety of support services to people with learning disabilities that include the direct employment of people with REACT and the promotion of the employment of people with learning disabilities. Much of the work is preparation work to enable people to present well at interview, raise expectations about paid and voluntary employment and to encourage people to train towards vocational employment

Harambee

Harambee is a Swahili word meaning "let's all pull together." This seemed a suitable description of our efforts in establishing a project to encourage people with learning disability to explore and develop their skills through volunteering. Funded by the Health Authority this creative initiative has already boosted the confidence and self-belief of many people and has opened up some employment opportunities.

Resources available through React

 

Watch it - video about bullying

Young people with learning disabilities have produced a video called 'Watch it' about bullying. The video is particularly aimed at school aged youngsters and stars members of the React team who have learning disabilities themselves. They bring a unique perspective to the subject - not only have they written and produced it, but they have based it on real life stories and their personal experiences. The video raises awareness of the issues for anyone experiencing bullying. It is available to schools, youth groups or other organisations who will find this short and snappy film a useful resource. If you would like to request a copy contact the React team on 01772 732313.

Person Centred Planning DVD

A DVD which highlights the issues faced by individuals with a learning disability as they try to plan for their own future and achieve their goals and ambitions.

The Acting Up drama group, based at the Ribblebank Centre in Preston, worked to create this DVD based on the principles of Person Centred Planning. This is a way of planning for what people want out of their lives. After listening carefully to what is important to people it asks how families, friends, the community and services can all contribute to supporting people to get the life that they want.

This project was collaboration by React at Caritas Care and Lancashire County Council with funding from Lancashire & Cumbria Workforce Development Confederation and WEA.

To obtain a copy of the DVD contact the React team on 01772 732313.