Tom

Mum Jan told us how LinkAble supports Tom’s physical health and social wellbeing.  

My son Tom is 52 years old and joined LinkAble in January 2024. He has a learning disability and cerebellar ataxia, a condition which affects his coordination and balance. This requires Tom to have someone on hand when he is walking, particularly on rough or uneven ground.

Before joining LinkAble, Tom’s health was in decline. His previous day centre had closed six months earlier, and without structured activities, his mobility and overall well-being had noticeably deteriorated. This was a concerning time for me as Tom's wellbeing is reliant on this structure and without it, he was feeling lost. 

However, since joining LinkAble, I have seen significant improvements in Tom's physical health and social wellbeing. Participating in LinkAble’s activities has greatly enhanced his mobility, he’s also learned about making better food choices and is now a healthier weight. 

Tom's neurologist has highlighted the importance of regular physical and mental stimulation to slow the progression of his condition, and LinkAble has been instrumental in providing this essential support.

Each week, Tom attends LinkAble’s ‘Fitness for All,’ ‘Wellbeing Wednesday,’ and ‘Hobby Club’ groups. These cover a range of topics that promote physical and mental health, which I think is fantastic. Through these activities, Tom’s emotional and social wellbeing has also greatly improved. 

Tom has gained a newfound confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and a more positive outlook. His manual dexterity, though still a challenge, has shown progress through LinkAble’s craft activities—even these recreational pursuits support his physical health.

The supportive environment at LinkAble, along with encouragement from staff and peers, has noticeably improved Tom’s happiness. Both his family and LinkAble staff have remarked on how well he has responded to the sessions. Without LinkAble, Tom would have fewer opportunities to socialise and maintain his physical health, which could lead to further declines in his mobility, confidence, and independence.

Thanks to LinkAble’s support, Tom has become healthier and happier. The groups have significantly improved his quality of life and helped him better manage his condition. I’m confident in saying that Tom thrives at LinkAble. He has become more independent, which is not only fantastic for him but also gives me great peace of mind.