A Wokingham based branch of a care and support provider are getting people with learning disabilities dancing in a bid to boost confidence and self-esteem.

Optalis’ Wokingham Out and About service provide evening and weekend opportunities for those with physical or learning disabilities to come together and participate in group events and activities, including sport.

Across Berkshire, Optalis provide care and professional support to adults with disabilities – and wanted to use the theme of sport during this years Learning Disability Week.

Karyn Fowle, Optalis Service Manager for Out and About said: “While the day trips are really popular, the sporting activities that we organise have a positive long-term effect on our customers. From swimming to walking and dance classes – we have seen, first-hand, the benefits that introducing a sport can have to overall health and wellbeing.”

One of the participants, Nicky, said: “It’s fantastic. I have such good fun. My dance teacher, Emma, is lovely – the best ever. It’s really helped my fitness too; it gets my heart pumping!”

Karyn said she was very proud of Nicky for beginning to attend the classes, saying: ““It has given her such a confidence boost, we just needed to support her in getting out of her comfort zone and trying something new.”

For more information on Optalis, visit their website on www.optalis.org.