Introducing the fabulous and inspiring Diane Mills - aka Di. Di would like to share her experiences of leaving her long term volunteer role to then joining Stratford Pathway Day Services at Heart of England Mencap.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your previous volunteer role.

I was an activities helper at a care home close to where I live. I worked there for over 29 years and I really enjoyed what I did. I liked helping other people. I used to help do their hair at the hairdressers and help with meals and drinks. It was important to me to have this job as it gave me a purpose and made me feel proud. Towards the end of my time there, I was bullied by some of the other staff members which really upset me. I told my manager and although she defended me and looked after me, I felt I didn’t want to go back to work again. It made me feel sad and angry that I was treated like this, especially after being there for so long.

Q: That sounds like a really difficult time for you towards the end, what happened next?

Just as this was happening Covid happened and I could no longer work anyway - this gave me time to think about what I wanted to do instead. With help from my sister, Louie and my social worker, we looked at what else was available. I had lots of old school friends that went to Pathway in Stratford and they told me about a free Karaoke session that I could join every Wednesday at the Yard of Ale. When the lock down eased I went each week which I really enjoyed - it was great to be with my friends again and to be back out, I made new friends too! I’d made my mind up that Pathway was were I wanted to be so my social worker arranged for me to go on a regular basis - I now attend 5 days a week!

Q: That’s brilliant, I’m glad you had control over your future! What do you most enjoy about Pathway?

I love doing the up-cycling. We make old things into new, like pieces of furniture. We get to sand them down and paint them and when they’re finished and looking really good we try to sell them. I find it really relaxing and enjoyable, something I like to do with my friends. I also like the Hockey and the Cycling sessions. It’s good to get outside and be in the fresh air. I like that it helps me to keep fit and that I can do it with my friends. I’m also a member of the Reach Out group, which I really enjoy, we meet other groups and talk about our own experiences.

Q: That sounds really interesting, tell us more!

We talk to other people in Mencap to see what they would like to do and then as a group we try to organize them. We’ve helped to organize the Cycling and the Hockey sessions in Stratford and we’re hoping to get some new activities for the summer. We also meet with other groups like Grapevine and ARC. We share what it’s like to have a learning disability and then we try to find ways we can make our community a better place to live. I’ve made lots of new friends by being in the Reach Out group. It’s really interesting and a great way to help others.

Q: Tell us something we may not know about you.

I’ve always loved ladybirds since I was very very young. I saw one in the garden with my mum and I’ve loved them ever since. I bought a radio in the shape of a ladybird! I was told you can tell how old a ladybird is by counting how many dots it has on it’s back, 1 dot equals 1 year- this might be a myth though! I like to do jigsaw puzzles too. Mum helped me to buy my first puzzle, starting with 500 pieces, now I do 1000 pieces! It’s a really relaxing thing for me to do at home.

A massive thank you Di for sharing your story with us. It takes courage to share a personal story with everyone - life isn’t always easy and there are times where we may need to re-evaluate what is best for US! You have shown us that having the right support network behind you, people who encourage and empower you to be the best that you can be, is hugely important for our personal development - physically, mentally and emotionally!

If you’ve been inspired by Di’s story and would like to share your own, or you would like to have further details on the types of activities you could be involved with, please contact Kate on KButtrick@heartofenglandmencap.org.uk or call on 07791 394276.