What Carl does in Norfolk with Opening Doors

As well as my work with IC Works over the last three years I have been a member of Opening Doors for 13 years. I’m involved in many different projects and help to lead the organisation. I’ve also supported some of the advocacy groups to get started in Norfolk.

I’ve been part of the self-advocacy group in Norwich for 10 years. We’ve had many different speakers over the years, and I’ve helped to run and organise several of those sessions. At the moment, we’re talking about the changes happening in local councils.

I’ve been in the training group for 12 years and have delivered lots of training for professionals and for people with learning disabilities. Recently, I have:

• Helped to train Crown Prosecution Service staff

• Trained 80 student pharmacists

• Delivered training on easy-read materials

• Run a workshop for local researchers in Ely.

Throughout the year, I meet with different organisations to talk about possible projects and research. People at Opening Doors say I am kind and fun to be around, and I’m always ready to help.

I’m good at explaining how we can co-produce and give advice on creating good-quality, easy-read materials. I take time to think through ideas, weigh up choices, and help others figure out what’s working well and what could be better.

I’m currently part of a team working on a project called Get Online, Stay Safe Online. I enjoy working with Jason, the project manager, and our adviser. I’ve helped to create an Easy Read questionnaire and some top tips for staying safe online. I’ll share the questionnaire with my local advocacy group soon.

I like running stands at events, and I recently worked with Marion and Janet on our co-production stand at the forum.

I’m also really looking forward to our big Happy, Healthy and Safe conference in 2026. At the last one, I was on the feedback stand and over 1,000 people attended!

Carl with his Opening Doors colleague Andrew at the Happy, Healthy and Safe conference