by Laura Horn, Engagement Coordinator
MacIntyre Our Voice is a new project for South West Hertfordshire, aimed at hearing people’s views on what matters to them and what they would like to do more of in their local area.
Visiting Watford FC
In Hertfordshire the local authority run coproduction coffee mornings and we were invited to attend one at Watford Football Club. It was really important to me to go along with someone with lived experience of a learning disability, and I thought of Paul. He’s good at listening to people, sharing what’s important to him and he enjoys art. Paul offered to make some posters for people to share their views.
Starting with a dance
As I am a Dance teacher, I thought I would start the event in my comfort zone and lead a dance warm up! It went really well and got everyone in the room tapping and bopping to Mambo Number 5.
Sharing ideas
After the dance, there was a buzz in the air and everyone started to chat and share ideas about how we can best hear the voices of people with learning disabilities and the people who support them. The local authority said there are 21,000 people with a learning disability in Hertfordshire. We want to make sure all those people feel connected and valued.
I was very grateful to Paul, who created some wonderful posters for feedback. Paul also shared his views on what is important to him, his 20 years of voluntary work at Watford Shopmobility and his love of Watford Football club. As a season ticket holder, he was very pleased to be able to visit the Player’s Lounge and see other areas of his favourite club!
Making new connections
A wonderful time was had by all and lots of new connections were made. We came away feeling like we knew more about what was happening locally.
It was a really fun event, well organised and I got to talk to a lot of people
Paul
What about your area?
Is there a coproduction or partnership board group near you?! How can you make sure that you know what’s happening locally and that people know what’s important to you?
Find out more about Our Voice here.
