Being able to express thoughts and feelings is something most people take for granted.
But for those with a learning disability, something as vital as communicating can prove difficult.
For the past 18 years, Dundee charity Advocating Together, which works with people with learning disabilities and those on the autistic spectrum, has been working to change this.
And this month, they’re holding a masquerade ball to celebrate their work and raise funds.
The Tele caught up with four Dundee members of the group.
Roddy Nicol, 63, is a former patient of Strathmartine Hospital, where he spent 26 years.
But after the facility shut its doors in the 1990s, Roddy found himself bored at home.
He said: “I had nothing to do in the house. Someone asked me to come to Advocating Together.
“I went out to the group and made some new friends. Advocating Together helped get me out of the house and I learned to talk about what I like and what I don’t like.”
Heather Blair is another member of the group who had trouble speaking her mind before joining.
Now she is a SAY rep at Advocating Together, which sees her consult with other people with learning disabilities.
She is also a lay assessor for the Care Inspectorate, which involves going out to speak to people with learning disabilities throughout Scotland about their experiences.
Heather said: “They tell me things they won’t tell other people — I check they are happy and that the staff are kind.
“I used to be quiet but now I can speak for myself.
“Advocating Together has made me more confident and now I can tell people what I want and not be bossed about.”
Like Heather, fellow group member Ali Davidson has found his voice thanks to the meetings and now has a job.
He said: “Being here has helped me gain confidence, work with good people, go to lots of meetings and go places like the disability roadshow, self-advocacy groups, training and talks.”
Ali is now Advocating Together’s Safe Place ambassador.
The aim of the Safe Place initiative is to provide locations across Dundee where vulnerable people can go if they’re are out and about and begin to feel unsafe or distressed.
Last but not least is Bobby Heron, 55, who has been a member of Advocating Together for 15 years.
His role as a SAY rep involves speaking to people with learning disabilities and autism and then bringing their views back to planning groups.
He said: “I meet new people and lots of new friends.
“I am a SAY rep and this gets my brain going.”
Advocating Together will hold their masquerade ball at the Apex City Quay Hotel and Spa on Saturday October 24.
The theme — Voices Unmasked — reflects the work they carry out to developing people’s communication skills and confidence.
Tickets are £40, including entertainment, drinks reception and a three course meal.
This event is being organised by the community interest company Along Came Kirsty CIC.
The company’s spokeswoman Fiona Harper said: “Local businesses are being encouraged to help sponsor this event, as we’re still looking for raffle prizes.
“We’d like to thank the Apex and Yu Spa for their help.”
Tickets for the event are available online at www.alongcamekirsty.co.uk/events.