The  Forum

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We have "Big Meetings" every year. They are great for:

• speaking up about the things that are important to us
• getting together
• seeing old friends
• finding out more about the Forum

The last Big Meeting was all about employment

Michael said: I did work experience at the community centre. It was helping with the elderly, doing things like making tea and helping with Bingo. It was for 4 weeks, and it was really good. I'd like to do a job, but its difficult becasue my benefits would stop. I think its all wrong really. I think its like not being able to get into buildings, its discriminating against disabled people.

Jane said: I work in a hairdressers. I've been there for years. I pass people the curlers, and then I wash them. I wash the towels and hang them on the line. I sweep the hair up too. I don't get paid but I really enjoy what I do. I work at Coffee Corner too, and at Dorset People First in the office.

Derek said: I had a work placement on a building site with Rok. They made me feel very welcome and I really enjoyed it. Stepping Stones helped me. Now my placement is finished, and I'm doing nothing again. I'm a bit upset really. I'm looking for another job now.

A group from the Fishermans Arms in Bridport came to tell us about all the different jobs they do. They love their jobs and work very hard, but they would like to be paid.