Earlier this month, a festive oompah band filled the Acorn Centre in Winnersh with music and laughter as local charity Promise Inclusion hosted an evening of entertainment for its members and their families.
Promise Inclusion is a Wokingham and Bracknell-based charity supporting children and adults with learning disabilities and autism. Its mission is “to enrich lives and empower people within the local community,” a goal clearly reflected in the smiles, singing and sense of connection at the event.
Chief Executive Officer Mary Durman has worked at the charity since 2003, joining initially in an administrative role. Over the years she has seen the organisation grow from just two employees to a team of 22.
“To some, the changes we see in the people who attend might sound small, but we know they aren’t,” she said. “People who used to sit on their own now join in. People come completely out of their shells.”
Durman also highlighted the importance of peer support within the group, where more able participants help those who need additional support.
Parents say that sense of community is invaluable. Graciela Evans, whose 23-year-old daughter attends the group, said the friendships formed are life-enhancing.
“The young people here connect to each other, they support each other and make friendships,” she said. “My daughter has college all day, then she runs home, has a shower, dinner as quickly as she can and says, ‘Mum, I’m ready for my group!’”
The charity also provides vital support for families and carers through its liaison services.
“We’re so proud of supporting carers,” said Durman. “By supporting the carer, you’re supporting everyone in the family.”
Parent and carer Karen Koefman added that Promise Inclusion helps families navigate important processes such as EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) applications and financial concerns.
Chair of Trustees and volunteer Sue Hall explained that the charity also attends Personal Independence Payment (PIP) meetings and provides activities for siblings of disabled children, recognising the wider impact on families.
Beyond formal services, carers value the friendships formed through the charity. Many spoke about the relief of being able to share experiences with people who truly understand their daily challenges.
Alisson, a carer who has attended groups with her child for 10 years, said: “Promise get the community together — we’ve all become friends. From the parents’ point of view, we can offload and support each other. We can learn from each other.”
Some carers even gathered for a Christmas meal this year, with Koefman saying these connections are vital in what “can be a lonely world otherwise.”
Promise Inclusion runs a weekly social group at venues across the area, providing opportunities to make friends, build confidence and enjoy community-based activities. It also hosts Paul’s Karaoke, a lively, donation-funded singing group for people aged 16 and over.
“Music is what everyone loves,” said Hall.
The charity also runs the Gateway Award, described as its equivalent of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, helping adults with learning disabilities and autism develop key life skills.
Despite the life-changing impact of its work, funding remains a challenge.
“It’s hard to get donations for charities involving adults,” Durman said. “People seem much happier to give to charities involving animals or children. I think there’s a lack of understanding of what these people need.”
Carers unanimously agreed that Promise Inclusion deserves far greater financial backing.
“They deserve so much more than they get,” said Koefman.
For families across Wokingham and Bracknell, however, the charity continues to provide something priceless — friendship, empowerment and a welcoming community for those who might otherwise feel overlooked.
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