Background Thinking - Letter to RMcC (0.5 hours)

Initially I wanted to spend some time with a community that looked after adults with learning difficulties and/or those with mental disabilities with a view to reflecting theologically about how such people fit into the economy of God. At the moment my theological instincts move me to think that God has something special to teach the Church, and human community more widely, about the whole divine-human relationship through those who physically and mentally embody difference, possibly weakness and vulnerability. (This is, perhaps, fairly obvious.)

For instance, how do we reconcile the (Christian?) idea that human beings are on some kind of teleological journey with the presence of disability/brokeness? Do we need to revisit this idea of telos? Probably, yes. Pastorally, how should disabled people work toward fulness and flourishing? So, I think I would be interested in organisations that are looking not just to improve quality of life for those in their care, but who are working to see them meet their potential in whatever setting that may be.

Immersing myself in one particular community for a concentrated period of time would intensify the reflective process, but I also see the benefits of a range of activities. It might be easier to see the practical implications, perhaps even solutions, that emerge from the theological exploration if I have observed the work of more than one agency involved in this type of work.

DAK 2 July 2009

CRB Clearance

So I applied to Nottingham County Council for a new advanced CRB disclosure about 5 weeks ago... Not a dicky bird.

Chat with Dominic O'Leary (0.5 hours)

In Welling on 19th August I chatted with Dom in the pub about his experiences working with adults with learning difficulties. His anecdotes showed that the service users are indeed complex; their behaviour is often unpredictable. Carers really need to get to know the individuals. He shared some interesting insights which opened up questions about how sin manifests itself in the lives of those with learning difficulties. Something that I hadn't yet thought of.

Barnstock Festival 14th August (4 hours)

An 'inclusive' arts festival for those who do not have the opportunity to go to Glastonbury and the Big Chill etc. The event took place in the grounds of the Day Centre. There was live music, a barbecue, go-karts, art installations, a fire engine and a peace tent. It was a good time to build relationships with the service users, I spoke to many.

I was struck by the level of friendship offered by the people I met, some of whom had real difficulties with conventional communication. The service users often have little concept of personal space. They offer affection freely, uninhibited, not bound by usual social customs. There was something innocent about it all. The dancing, the singing, the pure enjoyment.

However, I witnessed later the presence of adult drives for affection and intimacy. All human beings are complex whatever their cognitive abilities, our need for intimate relationships is the same, the possibility of distortion and self-centredness is the same.