Looking at life through a different lens
The theme of this year’s Learning Disability Week is “Do you see me?” It’s all about making sure that people with a learning disability are being seen, heard and valued.
Happy Times Activities is doing just that! This Wirral charity is bringing awareness to the experiences of adults navigating the world with autism and learning disabilities through its Lens Project.
What is Lens all about?
Standing for lived experiences, Lens is an art exhibition with a difference. It looks at life through the eyes of people with autism and/or learning disabilities. It also shows the perspectives of families and professional carers. Funded by the NHS, it is a collaboration between Moreton-based Happy Times Activities and Open Door Charity in Birkenhead.
The participants in the project shared their experiences in workshops. They talked about the challenges that they face. Some of the people who use the centre are non-verbal. The volunteers at Happy Times worked with them to create statements and words that captured how they feel.
A group of neurodivergent artists then turned these experiences into works of art, which now form part of the Lens exhibition. Large boards display the pictures and who they were inspired by. Happy Times hosted an open day during Learning Disability Week. They displayed the gallery in the grounds of the centre for people to come and see.
The aim of the Lens project is to promote inclusion. To help people to understand a different perspective. To reflect on their own perceptions.
Happy Times Activities is all about inclusion and connection. The centre provides a space for adults with a learning disability and/or autism to gain confidence. To work on being more independent whilst having fun. Taking part in activities such as dance, games, music, sensory time, yoga relaxation and therapies. The charity also offers an outreach service. This brings their brand of fun to a variety of venues, including care homes and day centres.
Emily is a regular at Happy Times Activities. When she first started, she was very quiet, and it took her a while to feel comfortable taking part. Almost a decade later, and she has grown in confidence so much that she now even volunteers at the centre!
Emily (right) and Helen (left), the founder of Happy Times Activities, next to Emily’s favourite artwork from the gallery, Put happiness first
Emily’s favourite thing about coming to the centre is being able to relax.
“It has helped me become independent and I love seeing all my friends.”
Challenging the perceptions of people with learning disabilities, Emily now has her own news blog on Happy Times’ website, showcasing her talent for writing by sharing her journey at the centre.
Lens is a movable exhibition that can be hosted at different venues, raising awareness of how to communicate with people with learning disabilities and promoting inclusion.
“We are passionate about improving the lives for vulnerable people in our community and the only way to do this is to understand and change ourselves. This is why we are offering local organisations the opportunity to share our exhibition.”
If you would like to host the Lens gallery and learn more about the people who are supported by the centre, then get in touch with Happy Times Activities by calling 0151 641 0716 or emailing info@happytimesactivities.co.uk
You can view the gallery online and learn about the stories behind the pictures here: Happy Times - A beautiful spectrum
