Learning Disability Week – Radio Drama Success

To celebrate Learning Disability Week 2025, members of the Shaw Centre came together to create something truly unique and meaningful — a powerful radio drama titled ‘Together At Last’.

This original production was written and performed by our members, drawing directly from their own real-life experiences as adults with learning disabilities. The drama explores themes of friendship, inclusion, independence, and the everyday challenges and triumphs that come with living in a world that often doesn’t understand or accommodate difference.

The project was an opportunity not only for creativity and self-expression, but also for raising awareness and changing perceptions.

We were thrilled to have ‘Together At Last’ broadcast during Learning Disability Week on both North Manchester FM and ALL FM, reaching listeners across Greater Manchester and beyond. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many listeners praising the honesty, humour, and heartfelt performances in the piece.

If you missed it on the airwaves — don’t worry! The full drama is now available to listen to anytime on our YouTube channel.

This special project would not have been possible without the generous support of the National Lottery Awards for All. Their funding enabled us to run workshops, support our members through the creative process, and produce a high-quality recording that our whole community can be proud of.

We’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to North Manchester FM and ALL FM for giving us valuable airtime and helping to amplify the voices of people with learning disabilities.

At the Shaw Centre, we believe in the power of storytelling — and this project has proven just how powerful our members' stories can be when shared with the world.

Murals, Memories and Meaning

We’re honoured to share a very special project that has brought beauty, meaning, and connection to the Shaw Centre.

Thanks to a generous £505 donation from Susan Sampson and family, made in memory of their beloved sister Lynda, we have created a stunning new wall mural at the centre. The funds were collected from mourners at Lynda’s funeral and kindly donated to the Shaw Centre by Lynda’s family — a deeply touching tribute that reflects their continued support for the place that meant so much to Lynda.

The mural reflects Lynda’s passions and the vibrant activities our members enjoy every day — from music and creativity to friendship, laughter, and community. It now stands as a lasting tribute to Lynda’s life and the joy she brought to everyone around her.

But Lynda’s connection to the Shaw Centre goes far deeper than that.

Lynda is the reason the Shaw Centre exists. It was her mother, Mary Shaw, who founded the centre — inspired by Lynda, and driven by a vision to create a space where people with learning disabilities could thrive, feel valued, and live rich, meaningful lives. It’s because of Lynda and Mary that we are here today, continuing that legacy and enriching the lives of adults with learning disabilities across our community.

In addition to the mural, the donation also allowed us to purchase a brand-new pool table, which has already become a favourite among members. It’s bringing fun, interaction, and light-hearted competition into our daily routine.

We were honoured to welcome Susan and Diane, Lynda’s sisters, to our Christmas Party, where we revealed a special memorial plaque in Lynda’s honour. The plaque was kindly donated by Engraving at Manchester Rubber Stamp Company and now sits in our centre— a permanent reminder of the woman whose life helped shape everything we do.

We are incredibly grateful to Lynda’s family for their generosity, and to Mary Shaw for her vision. Their legacy continues to touch lives, every single day, at the Shaw Centre.

Fitness With a Twist

Our alternative sports sessions with Sue from LUSU Sports Ltd continue to bring fun and energy to the centre each month. From dance games to team challenges, these activities are designed to be inclusive, adaptive, and most importantly – fun! Everyone’s getting involved, and we’re seeing growing confidence and smiles all around.

Angel Meadow Easter Egg Hunt Recap

Back in April, we enjoyed a lively Easter Egg Hunt around Redbank and Angel Meadow with staff from FEC It was a joyful day out, with plenty of chocolate, laughter, and community spirit. Events like this show just how much joy simple things can bring when we’re all together.