Michael, lives in Omagh in a supported living house and joined Mencap’s Link Me project in October 2016. 

Michael said: “I love it in Omagh, I am surrounded by friends and I am able to get out and about. When I was younger I was involved in lots of different things from working in Dunnes Stores to the Special Olympics and I gave a lot of these things up as I got older as I was too tired.

I started with the Link Me project in October 2016, I didn’t really know what to expect as I was quite independent, but found it hard to find things I was interested in. 

I told the Mencap staff about my love of country music and about all the instruments I could play such as the Piano, Guitar, accordion and the harmonica."

Older gentleman on stage wearing a black shirt playing a guitar in front of a microphone.

"They made me feel very welcome"

"Link Me volunteers helped me to go along to Music Matters – a music group where I met many old friends."  

"Then the Link Me volunteer supported me to try ‘Together One Voice’, a choir for everyone and they made me feel very welcome and the Link Me volunteer helped me with my words and actions, which made it easier for me to fit in." 

I have really enjoyed taking part in new groups and love helping out when I can. I think I have learnt a lot.

My favourite part was entertaining everyone at the Link Me party, playing the guitar and singing.

I will be happy to keep going to both groups when the Link Me project ends as I know more people now and the groups will keep in touch with me and keep me updated.

Thank you Link Me!