When Alisha first walked through the doors of our Snapdragon group in January 2026, she kept very much to herself.
As British Sign Language (BSL) as her first language, Alisha attends each session with her support worker, who also interprets for her. Joining a new group can be daunting for anyone, and in those early weeks she was quiet, shy and understandably hesitant to join in.
Fast forward six months, and it’s hard to believe it’s the same person.
Today, Alisha arrives with a smile, greets familiar faces and is an active part of the group. She has formed genuine friendships, notices when someone is missing, and happily volunteers to help with everyday tasks, such as handing out the biscuits. These may seem like small moments, but they speak volumes about how safe, comfortable and valued she now feels.
Perhaps one of the most heartwarming parts of Alisha’s journey has been watching the group grow alongside her. Other members have gone out of their way to make sure she feels included, with several learning simple BSL signs and Makaton so they can communicate with her more easily. Those small gestures have helped create something really special—a place where everyone makes the effort to understand one another.
Her confidence shone brightly at our recent Magic Carpet and Pelican Tea Party. Surrounded by new faces in an unfamiliar setting, Alisha embraced every moment. She danced at the front, laughed with others and made new friends, showing just how far she has come since joining the group.
Jess Carvill, Lead Practitioner for Snapdragon, has seen that transformation first-hand.
“Alisha smiles a lot now. Her smiles seem to increase every week and we are starting to find out that she has a good sense of humour. It’s clear that she is thriving on connection, having a sense of belonging in a safe space. I think she’s really going to enjoy the outing to the museum with the group later this month.”
For the team at Magic Carpet, stories like Alisha’s remind us why our groups matter. They are about much more than creative activities—they are places where people build confidence, discover friendships and find a sense of belonging.
Every smile, every conversation and every new experience is another step towards feeling connected to a community that celebrates people for who they are.
Could Magic Carpet help you or someone you know?
Magic Carpet brings together creative practitioners and adults with learning disabilities and mental health difficulties for weekly art and drama groups.
If you or someone you know could benefit from joining one of our groups, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to find out more about the activities we offer and how to become part of the Magic Carpet community.
Because everyone deserves a place where they feel they belong.