The Chatterboxes, a YMCA Bournemouth project, supports young people (aged 11-25) years old with disabilities such as Autism, Learning Disabilities, visual impairments and Down Syndrome.
The Chatterboxes raise awareness of disabilities and create a community which is equal for all whilst being surrounded by friendship and laughter.
It empowers, & up-skills young disabled people and ensures that their needs are met, aspirations supported and their rights respected.
It wants them to experience inclusion in every aspect of their lives and achieve their full potential.
They raise people’s awareness of disabilities in the community (with a view to opening more opportunities), foster life skills, increase self-esteem & independence, to create a safe and supportive community.
The young people even deliver awareness training events within the community on such topics as disability awareness and mental health.
Due to not meeting threshold requirements, many disabled young people are not able to access additional support through statutory services.
The Chatterbox staff and volunteer team therefore provide 1:1 support and guidance to individual young people and their family.
There is a focus on transitions and supporting members to build skills to help them in the future.
The Chatterboxes discuss and are supported with the following topics:
- Child sexual exploitation and the understanding of consent.
- Self-harm and Suicidal thoughts
- School exclusion/ off rolling
- Drugs / Alcohol and other addictions
- Mental Health issues including anxiety
- Sexuality: LGBT+ identity
One of our attendees said this of the Chatterboxes.
“I have Cerebral Palsy and due to being bullied at school I suffered with depression, was unsociable and lonely and struggled making new friends. And then I found The Chatterboxes. They have helped me so much in terms of making new friends, building my confidence and keeping me from going back to that dark place. I believe everyone needs a place like The Chatterboxes.”
Each year, The Chatterboxes put on a variety show, to fundraise for the project.
This year over 15 young disabled people sung, played instruments, told jokes, did magic tricks, danced and even provided a display of martial arts, to over 80 family and friends.
They raised an amazing £300 which will go towards enabling the Chatterboxes to keep on Chattering.
Mark Inkpen Chief Operations Officer of YMCA Bournemouth said of the evening.
“The Chatterboxes once again put on a wonderful variety show. The young people had great fun showcasing their talents. They are a credit to themselves, their peers and their families. This evening, they most certainly were surrounded by friendship and laughter. Thank you Chatterboxes, for being so awesome.”
If you would like to find out more about the Chatterboxes, please check out their website
https://www.ymcabournemouth.org.uk/youth/the-chatterboxes-disability-action-group/
