Not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to turn their dream into reality. But for Carol, this is just what is happening.
Carol is in her forties and lived for many years in a large residential learning disability unit. During 2005, she moved into a supported living placement with Lifeways. While Carol is full of smiles and eager to please, she is also quite shy, so the focus of support needed to be geared towards helping her recognize her own individuality, wants and needs as well as developing interests and activities of her own choosing.
    With the encouragement of her family, Carol began working with Lifeways staff on her person centred plan. During this process she took a big step and decided to reveal the contents of a treasured box of keepsakes, which included a number of trophies and certificates she had won a long time ago for ballroom dancing. Carol’s fascination for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ on TV was the clue to her great passion for ballroom dancing, which had gone unnoticed and had been all but forgotten during her years in residential care.
    "I dreamed about dancing again," said Carol "and now I’m going once again to a ballroom dancing class each week. I love the music and the steps, meeting new people and making friends. And I’m saving up for my first proper ballgown and dancing slippers."
Supported by Lifeways staff (some of whom have even learnt to tango, waltz and quickstep to ensure that she will never be without a partner!) Carol is now making plans for the experience of a lifetime. "I’ve always wanted to be in a real ballroom and at last I’m going to get the chance. I’m going for a week-end to the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool."  So Carol’s going to live her dream, see the bright lights, face the music – and dance!

Carol loves ballroom dancing