Why it matters
Welcome
Hello and welcome to Gloriously Ordinary Lives!
I’m Tricia Nicoll.
I started to use the idea of something being gloriously ordinary when my kids got to be in their mid-teens, 10 – 12 years ago. It felt like up until then, we had done pretty well in the world of ordinary – local school, local friends, the girl had piano lessons from a local teacher and the boy went to Saturday cinema.
Don’t get me wrong, we had to push a bit, but it was still doable – and really important to us as a family. As parents, we were really clear that they were going to have the same day to day life, opportunities and experiences as other young people of their age.
As they got into teenage years it seemed that the gap widened and the system was much keener for the ‘special’ alternative – the expectation that the boy would do his Duke of Edinburgh through the youth club for people with learning disabilities, or that the girl should go to the ‘special’ swimming session. Or even to say that there were some things on offer to all young people might not suit them or where they might not be welcomed.
I found myself repeatedly telling people that I wanted things to be ordinary – ‘gloriously ordinary’ and that seemed to resonate with people.
So this website holds everything I am thinking about and doing around the idea of creating Gloriously Ordinary Lives.
Have a look round and then maybe tell me what you’re doing?
The initial thinking and branding for Gloriously Ordinary Lives was done by my hugely talented nephew and all round beautiful human being Chris Smith. He had the ability to get to the core of what I wanted to say and make it beautiful. I love you Mr Smith and you are sorely missed.
Learn more about the work I am involved in
Gloriously Ordinary Lives is part of the movement for a different Social Care Future.
The House of Lords Adult Social Care Committee was appointed to consider the planning for, and delivery of, adult social care services in England.
Click the button to read the committee’s report on “A Gloriously ordinary life”