Connexions personal advisers based at People in Action support young people aged 13 to 25 with learning disabilities. Sarah Barrington, 22, and Sandra Claxton, 20, were both supported by their PAs to take part in last year's Leeds West Indian Carnival. The Leeds Carnival is the oldest in the country - run by a voluntary carnival committee with no paid workers.
They learned about lots of different aspects of the carnival - from designing and making their carnival costumes to practising and performing traditional dances. They also studied the history of the carnival, from Trinidad to Brazil, and other traditional celebrations.
"It was fantastic making and wearing our colourful costumes, and feeling part of the whole carnival celebration was a wonderful and memorable experience," said Sarah. "It's hard to describe but you can't get the same feeling just stood watching in the crowds."
