Empowering people to speak up

Surrey Choices is passionate about empowering the people we support to speak up about issues that affect them. They have been doing this via Zoom throughout lockdown by attending Speaking Up Groups.

As restrictions are beginning to lift, some people are beginning to meet up in person, to talk about the things that matter to them. Together the group arranged to go to Stoke Park for their meeting adhering to social distancing rules. Unfortunately on the day the weather let them down, but they were able to arrange an alternative and to go to The Parkway restaurant in Guildford. The manager there was very helpful and arranged for the group to have a large seating area with three tables so that they could observe current rules and still socialise together.

When the group met up face to face you could see the excitement they all felt to meet out in the community.

“The group were all delighted to see friends that they had not seen in person for over a year in some cases. They enjoyed having their meeting and catching up on each other’s news. They were pleased that something that they had been working towards was able to happen and they enjoyed their meal and the social atmosphere.” – Becki Mitchell, Activity Facilitator

Meeting up face to face has had a positive impact on the group. A number of them have strong and long standing friendships. They have knowledge and understanding of issues that may affect them and their communities and are always keen to discuss these and learn more.