Self Directed Support has three new applicants and, thanks to a Wallace and Gromit style animation, they had the opportunity to get really creative and express what they would do differently with more choice and control in their lives.
Hilary Monaghan, David Cusick and Alan Starrs all live in their own homes in Easterhouse in Glasgow. Hilary and Alan have become disenchanted with going to their local day centre and would like to do something different, while David wants paid employment.
As part of the Festival of Ideas, Glasgow Social Care Providers Forum funded Enable Scotland and Theatre Nemo to engage Hilary, David and Alan in a six-week animation programme.
All three made plasticine figures of themselves, created model sets, and used animation equipment to spell out their hopes and dreams for the future.
Ashleigh Niven, a team leader with Enable said: “The whole basis for Self Directed Support is that the person is in control of their own support. It starts with the individual. Services should be tailored around how the person concerned wants to live their life.
Hilary, David and Alan with their puppets with Hugh McHug and Ashleigh Niven in the background.
“But putting that into words can be a real challenge for people with learning disabilities. All too often it is people like me who end up telling their stories for them. This was a chance for them to tell it their way.”
Ashleigh added: “This project was a huge success from every point of view.
“Not only did we end up with a really professional and entertaining video of their animations, but their puppets really helped Hilary, David and Alan put into words what they want to do with their lives.”
“It was a fantastic idea and hopefully we will see more like it in the future”
In the video, ‘My Life, My Dream, My Way,’ Alan’s character says: “I want to choose who I spend my time with. Some people I’m forced to spend my day with frustrate me.
“I just want to spend time with people I get on with, like my best friend Hilary.”
The film then shows Alan and Hilary’s puppets of themselves giving each other ‘high fives’ after Alan gets a strike at ten pin bowling.
David’s character is seen wearing overalls and washing cars for free for a grumpy boss.
Then David’s puppet sheds the overalls to reveal he is wearing a suit and tie, and the puppet says: “I want to be in charge. I want to be my own boss and make money out of it for myself.”
Hillary’s puppet says: “I don’t want to be forced to come to a day centre. I need people to listen to what I am saying. I spend my time dreaming of doing things my way.”
Then her puppet joins David’s character on a disco dance floor to sing ‘I am what I am.”
Ashleigh added: “It was really fascinating how clearly the puppets expressed Hilary, David and Alan’s wishes.
“Hilary was very clear that her character should have a red dress.
“We always knew David wanted to get a job and earn money, but his puppet revealed that he really wants to be his own boss and to be in control.
“Hilary’s character confirmed how much she enjoys being with other people and the wonderful gift of hospitality that she has, while Alan’s confirmed that he just wants to chose to spend time with people whose company he enjoys.”
Hugh McCue, a freelance community arts worker with Theatre Nemo which promotes mental health and wellbeing through the use of art and the performing arts, said:
“Animation is a very accessible art form and a very effective communication tool, particularly for people who find it hard to be heard.
“Hilary David and Alan really threw themselves into the project, and worked well as a team.
“Apart from the technical bits they did most of the work themselves, and I am really proud of the video we produced: My Dreams, My Life My Way.”
Now Hilary David and Alan are awaiting the outcome of their application for Self Directed Support.
