What we do

People with learning disabilities are often isolated, undervalued by society, and faced with discrimination and injustice.  We believe it’s our job to address those issues and help people to improve their quality of life.

We help people to have a voice, make friends, learn life skills, gain confidence, improve their employment prospects, and overcome barriers. We work to raise people’s aspirations and make their lives more fulfilling.

The work we do is shaped by our service users.  We consult with them to understand what their needs are and what help they value the most. Better Things subsequently has six key areas of activity.

Sport & social

we organise a range of sporting and social activities that offer a safe and welcoming environment. These include:

  • Football - Tuesdays 1-2pm, Lifestyle Centre, Wythenshawe, free (we have our own football club which is affiliated to the Manchester FA, and play competitively in the Gtr Mcr Ability Counts Football League)

  • Zumba – Tuesdays and Fridays 11.30-12.30, Lifestyle Centre Wythenshawe, £2.00

  • Multi-sport sessions (netball, indoor cricket, rounders) 1-2pm, Lifestyle Centre, Wythenshawe, free

  • Community garden - monthly sessions, Lifestyle Centre Wythenshawe, free (These are weather dependent so we organise them on an ad-hoc basis, depending on the weather-forecast and time of year. Gardening equipment is provided)

Skills & employment

We run challenges to help people learn new skills – e.g. photography. We also support individuals to find work experience and suitable employment.

Mental health support

People with learning disabilities can be more likely to experience mental health issues. We provide mental health talking groups and individual support. Our talking groups meet on an ‘on demand’ basis.

Help with abuse

We provide one-to-one support with abuse issues (hate crime, bullying) that are disproportionately more likely to affect people with learning disabilities.

Specialist support

We have specialist LGBTQ, female and men’s project groups.

Family assistance

We support families with information and advice.

If you or a family member would like to access help from or get involved with Better Thing’s activities, which provide a safe and welcoming environment for anyone with learning disabilities living in the Manchester and North Cheshire area, please email wearebetterthings@gmail.com to learn more.

To learn more about what Better Things does, you can read about some of the people we’ve helped here.