The life that Joshua wants
The Rainbow Project was established in 1987 to meet the care needs of adult members of the Jewish Community who were learning disabled. A learning disability can happen when you are born or because of an illness or injury in the early years of life. This means that doing everyday things, such as learning and remembering, may be difficult without extra help and support.
Over the past 22 years the Project has had the privilege of working with many people who we believe we have supported to make some positive changes that has enhanced their quality of life. One person who comes to mind is Joshua.
Joshua was born in 1954 and lived within a five mile radius of the city of Glasgow. He was one of a twin, but the twin died shortly after birth. Whilst still a young boy, Joshua was diagnosed as having a learning disability and associated complex needs. In 1968, when he was only 14 years of age, Joshua was placed in an institution for allegedly stealing a small sum of money.
Between 1968 and the late 1970’s Joshua moved 12 times, transferring from one institution to another. Eventually, in 1980, he was transferred to Leeds, where he was subsequently admitted, once again, to a long stay institution. These moves had a detrimental effect on Joshua’s mental state. Joshua was a vulnerable young man and often a target for aggression from other patients. We have reason to believe that throughout the period of being institutionalised he was physically abused.
We first met Joshua in 1989. Joshua had little interest in his appearance, appeared very anxious and was extremely aggressive. Throughout the years that Joshua had been in care, he lost his identity and had no real opportunities to embrace his religious beliefs. However, his Judaism was very important to him.
Joshua became a member of the Rainbow family and moved into one of the residential resources in 1992. When Joshua first moved in he was not used to being allowed to make decisions for himself. He was lethargic, unwilling to take part in any activities, not always able to deal with his irritability or anger and was both verbally and physically aggressive towards staff. He had limited skills and showed little interest in acquiring any.
Over the past 17 years the Rainbow team have been able to support Joshua to work towards a more rewarding, fulfilling and independent way of life. Joshua has been able to accomplish budgeting and cooking skills and attends recreational and educational activities, both within the Jewish and wider community. Joshua is a regular attendee at the Social Clubs facilitated by the Rainbow Project and for the last four years has been a “paid volunteer” at Club Wednesday.
It has been a very stressful journey for Joshua. However, we are in no doubt that without the intervention of Rainbow Joshua would have remained in care for the rest of his life. Joshua continues to benefit from the care, support and love provided by Rainbow, so much so, that Joshua finally has what Joshua wants.
