A first-of-its-kind toolkit to support adults with learning disabilities has been launched by Rochdale-based social enterprise, PossAbilities.
It’s a monthly or annual subscription box that helps carers deliver meaningful, skills-based activities that promote independence, confidence and quality of life.
Each YourGo box contains printed materials linked to the Life Skills Framework developed by PossAbilities – a set of 48 essential skills like managing money, safeguarding, and self-care.
The box also includes step-by-step activity guides and access to an online library of videos, co-created by adults with learning disabilities both in front of and behind the camera.
The activities are easy to follow, require no specialist equipment, and are designed to fit seamlessly into daily routines or personalised support plans.
The toolkit was developed with input from carers, service users and academic partners – including Professor Chris Hatton at Manchester Metropolitan University, who now chairs the YourGo advisory group. The project also received a grant from Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Foundational Economy Innovation Fund.
According to learning disability charity Mencap, around 1.5 million people in the UK live with a learning disability.
Many say they want more opportunities to learn new skills, connect with their communities, and feel more independent – but carers often lack the time or tools to make that happen.
PossAbilities says YourGo is already making a practical difference to carers and the people they support.
Michael O’Keeffe, Special Advisor at PossAbilities, said: “I don’t know of another toolkit that’s so easy to use for both carers and service users, or one that connects skills to activities in such a practical way.
“Carers often don’t have the hours in the day, or the resources they need. Adults with learning disabilities tell us they want to do interesting things – not just day-to-day tasks like going to the shops, but bigger goals like getting a job or meeting new people.
“The help we’ve received from the Growth Hub and Manchester Metropolitan University has made a world of difference – it’s turned a great idea into a product that can improve care across the UK.”
Kirstie Hull, a support worker at PossAbilities who has been using the service, said: “The toolkit has made a huge difference to my day-to-day work. It’s easy to use, saves me time, and I’ve seen real progress in confidence and independence.”
To bring the idea to life, PossAbilities worked with the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub’s Innovation Service, who helped shape the project, connect the team with expert partners – including Professor Chris Hatton – and access key funding.
This included a £4,992 Innovation Grant for early-stage development, and £68,000 from the GMCA’s Foundational Economy Innovation Fund to prepare the toolkit for wider rollout.
To find out more or subscribe, visityourgo.org.uk/subscription.
