A CEREBAL palsy sufferer has set up an activity group in Taunton to get other people with disabilities involved.

Ben White lives with his parents in Bishops Lydeard and has two carers who look after him on a 24-7 basis.

The 27-year-old set up the group last month, and says despite his strong network of support he can become bored and wants to do all the things everyone else does.

‘Disabled People in Taunton Having Fun’ is run from the YMCA centre in Lisieux Way, Taunton, every Wednesday from 10am to 12.30pm at a cost of £3.

People can take part in various sports, including football, cricket, snooker and pool, and there is food and soft drinks, and monthly bingo sessions.

Ben’s carer, Amanda White, said: “Six people turned up at first and a couple more the week after – they were around Ben’s age, and they all enjoyed it and came back.

“It’s open to able-bodied and disabled people of all ages with games everyone can play – there’s a TV and a quite area.”

At the moment, Ben, who is in a wheelchair, goes to a group every Thursday which is organised by the charity Moving Together Som-erset, but he will have to stop going in September because it is only supposed to be for people up to the age of 25.

Keith Jarvis, at the YMCA, is giving Ben a free trial to begin with while the group is in its early stages.

Amanda said: “They YMCA doesn’t want Ben to be out of pocket, so whatever people pay to come in they’re taking that and then not charging for the hire of the hall.

“Everyone admires him for setting up the group.”

Ben said he hopes that eventually there will be enough people going along to the group to ensure that it will fund itself.

If you are interested in joining the group you can email Ben at benwhite86@hotmail.co.uk