A CLUB to help young people with learning disabilities gain confidence was held in Kendal to coincide with Youth Work Week.

Steps is a club for 11-19 year-old children who come with a variety of different needs. It offers children a safe environment, which is non-threatening and secure, enabling them to develop their social skills. The activities encourage the children to lead activities and use their skills, thus giving them confidence.

Brenda Reading, a professional adviser with Inspira, attends this group, which works in partnership with the Oaklea Trust once a week.

“One of the key facets of youth work like this is encouraging young people to participate more fully in a range of activities in a safe and supportive environment," she said. “Through this the young people will hopefully be more willing to engage in ‘real world’ activities.

“It can be very challenging and requires making a choice, and it means engaging with perceptions, feelings and sensations you may not understand properly."