This is an exciting project in which our self run self advocacy group are expanding and moving out
into the community (Borough of South Tyneside). Self Advocacy is about speaking out and being able to make informal choices
for yourself.
The usual model of advocacy for persons with learning disability is to get trained people to speak
for them but ATOM is a self run, self advocacy group where everyone works as
a team paid or voluntary, able bodied or disabled all contribute and are equal.
ATOM is a team of people from the Millennium Phab Club in Jarrow on outreach
at Trinity House who also have learning disabilities. Together with thier Trainer/facillitator Pat Evans they do two
forms of training. Pat and the rest of ATOM team put on Disability
Awareness training days for Social Services etc and every six weeks they do part of the induction training at South Tyneside
Hospital for health service staff.
They also do assertiveness and self advocacy training for people who have learning disabilities as well as teaching the
Training for Change which is a course accredited by the North East Open College Network.
The ATOM group is unique in South Tyneside. The concept of people with learning disabilities
being professional trainers is new and innovative.
For more information call
the Phab Club on a Thursday between 10:30am - 4pm or at Trinity House on a Monday or Tuesday between 12:30pm - 5pm on
0191 4555610
