At the heart of Active Citizenship is an age-old question;
“What is my purpose?”
It’s a question that isn’t always easy to answer. It can feel abstract, even uncomfortable, especially for those of us who fear we might be simply going through the motions. But, ever a game bunch, last Friday, the Jigsaw group came together to tackle this deeply human quest and explore what it really means to live life with purpose.
Louise set us on our way, with a more grounded version of the big question,
“Purpose is about doing the things that matter to us. So … what are you really good at and what is your reason for getting out of bed in the morning?”
For Denise it’s,
‘Coming to Jigsaw meetings, meeting new people and chatting to lonely people. Caring for family and friends, having fun, keeping mobile, knitting and shopping.’
For staff member Carol it’s,
‘My job as a support worker. Looking after family and seeing my friends. I like everyone to be safe, well and happy, including the cat! My little old, terraced house is really important to me, as is reading, walking in the countryside and going places.’
Our soul searching soon revealed some common themes that give us purpose. Caring for others – and being cared for. Pursuing our hobbies and interests. Being our truest selves, whether that’s ‘being loud and making everyone happy’ like Stuart or channelling a ‘Pythonesque sense of humour and playing pranks’ like Anthony.
Particular to us as a group, and high up on everyone’s list, was being a Jigsaw member. Indeed, Dianne seemed to speak for us all, when reflecting on her time as Chair of the Board, she said,
‘Jigsaw has been one of the most important things in my life.’
Which led us to wonder, what is it about the Jigsaw group, that makes staff and Representatives ‘leap out of bed’ on the morning of a meeting, and fills us all with such a strong sense of purpose?
For Rachel, it’s,
‘Stepping outside of our daily routines to reset and think about things that really matter.’
Of course, we can all do this individually, like Keith. One of his favourite things about volunteering on an evening is,
“The walk home by myself. It’s peaceful. Quiet. I clear my head. I can think.”
But thinking about what matters together is powerful. Together we’ve taken those common themes that give us purpose, like caring for people, and turned them into actions that benefit the wider community. Like raising awareness of the mental health impacts of having a learning disability, by sharing raw and honest lived experiences on film.
For Louise,
‘It’s about equality. A Jigsaw meeting is a space where everyone’s contributions are valued. It’s a safe space – but by no means a static space, where we all stay comfortable.’
As a group we are evolving. Members are stepping outside of their comfort zones. We’ve raised our expectations of ourselves and each other and created opportunities for one another to thrive. Representative, Beth, is a shining example. She now regularly leads activities and plays an active role in the planning group. The impact on her self-esteem is striking.
‘It feels great. I’m doing what I want to do!’
Sadly, whilst most staff members reported finding purpose through self-development or community projects outside of the Trust, (education courses, Trustee roles etc.) few Representatives could say the same. And whilst purpose doesn’t have to be world-changing, the contrast highlights that for adults with learning disabilities, such opportunities are more limited.
Similarly, all staff members spoke of the deep sense of purpose they draw from employment. Whilst not one of our Representatives is in paid employment, despite many of them volunteering in roles that demonstrate their value and capability.
As always, the side by side conversation between staff and Representatives shone a light on inequalities faced by adults with learning disabilities. And, as always, it strengthened our resolve as an inclusive, purpose driven group to make more of an impact. In the meantime, we set ourselves a more immediate task, and one which we encourage everyone to join us in.
‘Take an honest look at your week and ask, are my days filled with the things that matter to me? Am I using or growing my skills and talents? And if not— what one small step can I take today, to start carving out a more intentional path?’
Because a life full of purpose, isn’t only a more meaningful life – it’s key to our happiness, self-esteem and wellbeing. And equally important for everyone.