Chatterbox Social go bowling.
A new social group for young adults with learning difficulties has sprung up in Maidenhead – allowing people to spread their wings socially and find their independence.
Chatterbox first started as a speech therapy support group for children with Down syndrome about 20 years ago.
Its current chair, Samantha Turner, who took the helm 12 years ago, says that now the children are older, they need support of a different kind, more to do with social interaction.
The group has therefore evolved and is now called Chatterbox Social, broadening to welcome anyone with any type of learning difficulty in the local area.
“It's more about getting out into the community and doing things independently of parents, the things 'typical' teenagers want to do,” she said.
“I've got a son, Josh, with Down syndrome who's 17. He has a twin brother without any additional needs, who is going out to parties, up to London, to the cinema – all the things a 17-year-old should be doing – and Josh wants to do the same.”
The idea is to give parents some respite while their children explore activities they may never have tried in a safe environment.
Though there are some who prefer their parents to stay, most youngsters are more than happy for their parents to leave, she added.
“The majority – like my son – are very much: ‘Drop me off here and see you in a couple of hours, goodbye.’ They don't want their mum or their dad anywhere near it.
“They want to just be with their friends and doing fun stuff. That’s the aim.”
The group is open to anyone with learning difficulties aged 16 and up, with no upper limit – there are some people in their 20s and 30s too.
It operates as a transitional space for people who have not had as many independent social opportunities in the past.
“It's a massive deal to go into somewhere where you don't know that many people,” said Samantha.
“That can be quite daunting particularly for someone with additional needs, so we make the environment really friendly and we try and have the same carers every time.”
Chatterbox Social organises one social event once a month, things like going to the cinema or going bowling, aiming to be as varied as possible.
It currently has about 65 families on its books, which Samantha feels speaks to the ‘definite need’ for something like this in the area.
"It's disappointing that there isn't very much for our young people in this borough to do,” she said.
Chatterbox Social does not receive any funding, so there is a cost, especially as the events hire professional carers.
But if finances are an issue, Samantha welcomes families to contact her to talk it through.
In the future, Samantha hopes the group will be able to secure funding so that Chatterbox can simply ask for a small donation instead.
On Sunday (December 7), Chatterbox is having a Christmas party at Maidenhead Mencap, which has a space well-adapted to the group's needs, including a lounge area for chilling out away from the excitement if needed. About 50 people are expected at the knees-up, featuring a disco, gifts from Santa and a visit from a magician.
Those interested in finding out more about Chatterbox Social can head to chatterboxonline.org
The group has a WhatsApp group featuring notifications of upcoming events.
Contact Samantha Turner on 07786 554781 or samantharelph@hotmail.com
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