Jack

Mum Nicky shares how LinkAble has supported Jack to thrive.

When my son Jack was born, we were told he wouldn’t walk, talk, or feed himself. 

Well, how he proved everyone wrong! Jack is a determined young man who continues to amaze us all and I am so grateful for the role LinkAble has played in his life. 

Jack is 18 years old and has a rare chromosomal disorder called Tetrasomy 18p. This causes global developmental delay meaning that he needs a huge amount of support from me, which greatly impacts our whole family. Because I need to spend more of my time supporting Jack, his younger brother Alfie (15), can feel frustrated, as of course, he needs my support too.  

Thankfully, LinkAble has taken some of the pressure off our family. Over the 10 years that Jack has been attending, I have been able to give Alfie dedicated one-to-one time with me. For us, as a family, LinkAble gives us a much-needed break. It means we can do things that are difficult to do with Jack, like going to the cinema or taking a long dog walk. It gives us that bit of freedom while knowing Jack is safe and happy.

LinkAble has been absolutely incredible for Jack's development. It has really helped him grow in confidence and find his voice. He’s become more outspoken and loves being around the staff and other young people. I love knowing that he has a community he can call his own. 

ActAbles is Jack’s favourite group at LinkAble, where he takes part in drama and performing arts activities. He loves it! He’s always excited to go, and it’s wonderful to see him in an environment where he can just be himself, surrounded by people who understand and support him.

For Jack, LinkAble is a place where he knows he belongs. He loves the activities, and once he’s there, he always enjoys himself. The social opportunities for him there are so important. He gets to have a bit of banter, make friends, and just have fun in a way that might not be possible elsewhere. I think people can underestimate how important this is for people with a learning disability—to have a place where you can be accepted for being who you are. 

LinkAble has given Jack opportunities to grow, learn, and be part of something special. It’s not just about keeping him busy, it’s about making sure he feels valued, included, and confident.

Honestly, I can’t imagine life without LinkAble. Without it, life would feel much more restricted—not just for Jack, but for our whole family.