The team at Guild Care’s Treetops Hub presented a special showcase on Wednesday 17 and Friday 19 June to mark Mencap Learning Disability Week.

Earlier this year, Guild Care brought its three services for people with learning disabilities together at Methold House in Worthing. The fully refurbished space now offers large, bright, accessible welcoming rooms, wheelchair friendly flooring, overhead tracking hoists, and an extended range of sensory equipment. Their adult services are now known as Treetops Hub and the children’s service becomes Treehouse Club.

Darren Claydon, activity coordinator at Treetops Hub, introduced their Community Links group, made up of performers from the learning disability service. The group presented an entertaining and interactive performance of The Gruffalo.

“We’re celebrating 17 years of our Community Links group this year,” Darren told the audience. “In that time, we’ve performed lots of different shows. We visit more than 15 schools each year, as well as care homes and community groups, where we entertain and share a bit about what it’s like to live with a learning disability. Children make a fantastic audience. They love joining in and signing along to the songs.”

Darren introduced each of the performers, including Susie, who had attended day sessions at Guild Care for six years. She said: “I enjoy it here and at the weekends I like shopping and being like everyone else.” Susie took on the role of the mouse in the well-known children’s story, narrated by Darren. She was joined on stage by Alice, Chris, Lizzy and Danny, who played the Gruffalo.

The audience joined in with Makaton signing to ‘Lean on Me’, chosen for its message of looking after and supporting each other, something that’s evident at Treetops Hub every day.

Around 50 people watched the performance, which featured upbeat songs, humour and the much-loved story of the clever mouse and the Gruffalo.

After the show, guests enjoyed tea, coffee and cakes while viewing displays of photographs and artwork created by people supported at Treetops Hub.

The event continued with a presentation of the poem titled ‘Can you see me?’ led by Beata, practice lead sensory therapist, and Chris, who attends Treetops Hub. Showcasing how tech can break down communication barriers and ensure voices are heard, the team used interactive Cosmo buttons with colourful lights and touch responsive sounds.

The assisted technology played recorded messages from people with learning disabilities at Treetops Hub. These heartfelt messages included: “My small steps are big achievements”, “Assume I can learn”, and “I deserve to be included”.

Cathy, support worker, then explained how Treetops Hub supports people with learning disabilities, using their own words: “It helps me find new friendships. I enjoy exploring in my own way. I like people who know me well. I am curious and always expanding my knowledge. I like the calming sensory experiences.”

Sabrina Wilson, manager of learning disabilities services at Guild Care, closed the event by thanking the audience for enthusiastically joining in and everyone involved in the showcase, including the team working behind the scenes to create a positive and engaging celebration for Learning Disabilities Week.

For more information about Guild Care’s services for people with learning disabilities, visit Support for Learning Disabilities in Worthing | Guild Care Services.