Dorian has attended Reach Newark since 2008. He really enjoys his weekly art and ‘Educational Fun’ courses. Until recently he felt wary of trying new activities, but with time and support he has gradually built confidence to consider further courses in preparation for his move into our Southwell accommodation.

Our Transitions Co-ordinator is helping Dorian to get know his new housemates, whilst tutor Gemma, who has specialist communication skills, has enabled him to build confidence in interacting with others. Gemma’s range of skills means Dorian has control over how he communicates with her, choosing between speech, signing or on an iPad using specialist software.

Dorian’s confidence has noticeably increased. So much so that he has opted to try Boccia, Reach Southwell and Flower Pod Newark sessions.

Dorian is a very happy person and loves chatting with others about his favourite subject – guide dogs!

‘We are extremely grateful for the quality of the courses at Reach. We are especially impressed by the scope of the educational fun sessions which he always tells us about most enthusiastically, also finding lots of illustrations online to explain what he’s been learning about in more detail. Your students must be the luckiest in the whole world.” – Melvina, Dorian’s mum.

Watch Dorian's film to hear more of his story: