Speaking up with Dolly

Hi readers, it’s Emily and Kerry here, and this week it’s me, Kerry, checking in.

First, I wanted to tell you about our Friendship Club disco last week. It was supposed to be a 70s theme, but after hearing the sad news about Dolly Parton, we decided to make it a Dolly-themed disco instead.

For those who don’t know me, I look nothing like Dolly Parton, I don’t sound like her, and I don’t even dress like her! So, if I was going to look like Dolly, I needed help. We managed a wig, a cowboy hat and some nice make-up. While some people may have mistaken me for a character from Little House on the Prairie, it was still fun getting dressed up.

DJ Richard kept the dance floor busy with his usual cool sounds, adding in some classic Dolly songs - think 9 to 5 and Islands in the Stream. Richard, one of our members, had a go DJing a few years ago and has been doing our discos ever since. He brings all his equipment, sets everything up and often dresses for the theme – quite the professional.  

Sometimes Amy, another of our lovely members, helps him out. I think it’s brilliant that even our discos are user-led, just like PFD.

But my week hasn’t been all-dancing and singing. Co-Manager Emily and I have been at meetings about more issues facing people with learning disabilities, as always working with professionals to organise workshops, events or support which help our members recognise when something isn’t right, know what to do, avoid being taken advantage of - and get the right support, at the right time, from people who understand us.

Just because someone may find it difficult to speak up, it doesn’t mean their voice doesn’t matter.

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from staff