Vitality Bath Half Marathon 2016

SWALLOW is a user-led charity providing support to teenagers and adults with learning disabilities throughout Bath and North East Somerset. SWALLOW was established by individuals with learning disabilities and their families to develop a new way of meeting their needs and provide an alternative to day centres and residential homes. Over the past 30 years we have developed our services in direct response to the needs and wishes of our members. Our aim is to help as many people as we can to lead fulfilled lives as independently as possible. The support we provide includes: independent living skills training, supported housing opportunities, one-to-one outreach support, a Work Skills Enterprise Scheme focussing on providing skills development, training and employment opportunities in catering at the SWALLOW Community Cafe, craft and horticulture. We also run a full programme of courses and activities which include art, cookery, sports and social events. All our services are in response to member requests through our Management Committee.

The Carers’ Centre is a local charity supporting people who care for family and friends who need extra support day-to-day. This might be because they are elderly, have a physical disability or illness, a mental health problem or struggle with substance misuse. We can offer expert advice, breaks from caring, emotional support and understanding. All our services are free, and we will make sure local carers get the right help, advice and support to make caring a little easier. For example, our befriending and peer support services give carers the chance to offload in a confidential conversation. It can be isolating being a carer and not being able to get out, so having someone to talk to often contributes towards their well-being. Another of our support opportunities is the RUH Hub, a permanent space where carers of all ages can find advice that will help them in their caring role. The hub is a resource centre that gives carers lots of information on local services. As one carer told us, "I needed someone to sit and listen to me. I learned to look after myself again."

Many research studies have shown that group music with movement intervention can be beneficial in managing the agitated behaviours of those with potential dementia if incorporated into care routines in residential facilities. It is hoped that the participants in these sessions will over time will prevent the potential progression of agitated episodes in addition to the physical benefits relating to stamina, fitness and above all health and well-being. We hope to trigger memories, associations and insights of the group so they know who they are as individuals or at least to remind them of who they have been. We want to establish a sense of familiarity and belonging in the sessions through reminiscence and movement which will stimulate interactions between group members outside the sessions. We want to facilitate an increase in the participants’ movement by moving more freely as the sessions progress. This can mean moving from a seated position to possible dancing or moving in the familiar space, singing and in general, enjoying the sessions.