Enriching lives through community connections
Community Connecting
Community Connectors work across Essex to support adults with learning disabilities and/or autism into voluntary roles, social activities, training, or educational courses. The aim is to enrich lives by supporting people to actively participate in their local communities and build meaningful connections.
When everyone is included, everyone wins.
Building community connections leads to:
- An enriched quality of life with greater independence.
- An improved standard of living from acquiring increased skills, educational achievements, and work experience.
- Improved physical and mental health from getting out more, participating in sports and exercise, or engaging in social activities.
- Greater self esteem that comes from making a valued contribution, having a sense of purpose and a routine or structure in daily life.
- Support from informal networks and a reduction in dependency on paid for services.
Building community connections leads to:
- An enriched quality of life with greater independence.
- An improved standard of living from acquiring increased skills, educational achievements, and work experience.
- Improved physical and mental health from getting out more, participating in sports and exercise, or engaging in social activities.
- Greater self esteem that comes from making a valued contribution, having a sense of purpose and a routine or structure in daily life.
- Support from informal networks and a reduction in dependency on paid for services.
The support provided is carefully tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. For some, this might involve volunteering to build valuable employment skills and experience, with an ECL Community Connector offering dedicated guidance to help them identify the right opportunity and confidently settle into their role. For these individuals, Community Connecting can provide a vital bridge to paid employment.
For others, it could mean engaging in activities such as hobbies, sports, or education to reduce isolation and foster a genuine sense of belonging. Actively participating in the community can significantly boost confidence and provide a strong sense of purpose.
The Community Connecting process:
- You can be referred from social care, health, or education, or you can contact us directly.
- A Community Connector will get to know you, involving your family or circle of support as appropriate.
- With you, we will identify your goals, for example, volunteering or engaging in social activities, sports, arts, or learning opportunities.
- The Community Connector will search your local community for opportunities and make contact with them.
- We will support you to apply or try out the activity for the first time. They will also help you to practise the journey to your activity.
- The Community Connector will continue to support you in your new venture, making sure you're settled and confident to maintain your involvement independently.
Community Connecting Blog: Building Better Lives for People with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism
Inclusive Employment doesn't work for everyone, especially those with moderate to severe learning disabilities. I longed for an initiative offering meaningful support to those unable to work.
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