Why fit in?
In which one pair of socks led to big connections and paid work for people with learning disabilities
MacIntyre’s Big Plan was co-produced and co-authored with people who draw on our support, their families and our staff teams. The Big Plan articulates an important question:
How can we all meet people near where we live to make things better for everyone?
Our answer to this question is Everyone Everywhere.
We know there are many MacIntyre people who are part of their local neighbourhoods and we know that good things happen when we connect with others around us.
June, who draws on MacIntyre's support, has a great example of connection in action:
Before, I felt really secluded and unhappy. I love art and I wanted to meet people. With some help and support it expanded from just getting out and about again and meeting people to actually bringing people together to do art. I am getting out and helping others. I definitely want to continue and help more people with my group.
Everyone Everywhere is about making these connections a more intentional part of our day-to-day, knowing and being known locally, challenging ourselves to do better and sharing stories to inspire each other.
One of the key messages of Everyone Everywhere is about seeing ourselves, our organisation and the people who draw on our support as contributors to our local neighbourhoods. We know that when we help others, participate and get involved, we feel part of something wider and feel valued.
So how can we make Everyone Everywhere a reality? We are asking our staff and people who draw on MacIntyre’s support to find out what’s happening locally; to identify one thing they are interested in, then go and find out more. To see what it’s all about and whether there are opportunities to help and work together.
We already value friends, family and neighbourhoods. And we want to make those connections stronger and more purposeful. We know some people already work in this way. We know some people find it easier than others. But Everyone Everywhere is a chance for us all to make good things happen, to create a ripple effect running through our communities, making them more inclusive and to help them see our charity and the people who draw on our support in a different way.
This seemingly simple way of working is radically transformative for everyone involved. It helps people drawing on MacIntyre’s support to change how they see themselves – from someone needing help to someone who has something to give that is of real value to the people in their neighbourhood. It helps change the community’s perception of MacIntyre, the people who work there and the people who draw on their support.
We publish regular Everyone Everywhere stories on our website – take a look to find out more
In which one pair of socks led to big connections and paid work for people with learning disabilities
In which Abdul helps the neighbours by collecting their glass recycling and taking it to the bottle bank.
In conversation about Everyone Everywhere with Kathryn Yates and Sian Lockwood.
In which we have ambitions for 'growing' community in Ampthill
Are you thinking about the next steps for your child? We offer post-16 education for young people with an EHCP. Come to our open evening to find out more.
Drop in for tea, coffee, cake and conversation. Everyone is welcome
Make new friends while enjoying a hot drink and a piece of cake
Meet MacIntyre staff and people we support. Chat over mince pies and find out more about what we do and our job opportunities.