All smiles at youth club

But unlike most youngsters their age, Rachel and Lauren are limited to the places they can go on their own.

That’s why the Worksop Link club at Valley Young People’s Centre is so important to them, and to their families.

The club is run for 13 to 24-year-olds with disabilities and provides a vital chance for them to gain some independence.

Both Rachel and Lauren have Down’s Syndrome and, as Rachel’s mum Julie says, opportunities for them to socialise with people their own age away from their parents are limited.

Julie, 49, of Long Lane, Carlton, said: “I can’t let Rachel go out on her own because she is so vulnerable, so this club is perfect because I know she is safe and I’m comfortable leaving her here.”

“There are hardly any opportunities for her to do things on her own and this is a chance for her to be independent and be out with friends without me there.”

“She would be lost in an integrated club and wouldn’t have a voice, which she has here.”

“The club also provides a bit of respite for parents.”

Rachel and Lauren both go to St Giles Post-16 centre in Retford and are best friends. They clearly enjoy their time at youth club and were excited about a forthcoming residential trip to the Yorkshire Dales.

Rachel said: “I like the club because we do different things like making jewellery and making money boxes.”

“We also got to taste some Chinese food. I’ve got lots of friends here.”

Lauren said she enjoyed trying different activities as well. “I like coming to the club and I like doing art and colouring,” she said.

Julie and Lauren’s mum Julie Parker, 49, of Stewart Road, Carlton, first met at Bassetlaw Down’s Syndrome support group.

The youth club is run by Notts County Council disability support team and has around 25 members with various physical and mental disabilities.

Youth worker Lyndsey Radford said it was often difficult for these young people to access mainstream clubs.

“They can come here and be themselves and not feel that they don’t fit in,” she said.

“Some of the young people who come to us then gain the confidence to go on and join mainstream clubs.”

She said they encouraged members to take part in activities, but if they wanted to sit out they could.

“We are helping them to feel okay about not doing things and that it’s okay to have an opinion.”

“It’s about helping them to make decisions for themselves, such as what they want from the tuck shop.”

“For some young people this is the only chance they get to go out.”

The disability support team offers further opportunities at other venues around the county and organises day trips out to different places.

Worksop Link club is held every Tuesday from 6.30-8.30pm at the centre on Stanley Street and costs £1.

To find out more and arrange to go along call 01623 626972.