For many years Gill Bridge spent her days at home in Kenilworth with her mother, unable to get out and about.

The 54-year-old suffered from Raynaud's Syndrome, which can cause the hands and feet to swell up in hot or cold weather, but her physical problems were also due to her own self-perception.

It was only when she started to have help from Way Ahead Support Services for people with learning disabilities that things began to change.

From a reclusive person who "wouldn't say boo to a goose" she is now happy and outgoing and, despite not being able to read or write, helps produce the Bridging the Gap newsletter for others with disabilities, their carers and family.

This week is Learning Disability Week and Gill is helping to raise awareness about issues such as access to activities, changing places for those in wheelchairs and people's attitudes to learning disabilities.

Gill has experienced life in a wheelchair as she was using one by the time she reached the age of 30.

However, as a result of years of support and encouragement the Kenilworth resident now has the confidence to live independently – without the wheelchair.

She said: "It wasn't physically that I had to recover, I had to fight with my head. It is thanks to these guys that I am out of the wheelchair.

"Before I met these people, I was closed in – I didn't say boo to a goose. The only thing I could express when I was younger was dancing. I didn't have any confidence in myself. Now I can live on my own."

"These guys" are Brenda Watts of South Warwickshire Carers Support Service, Gill's Way Ahead support worker Linda Dodd and Bridging the Gap editor Carole Clener.

Carole came up with the idea for the information booklet when she was a carer and struggled to find things to do with her clients.

Now, Gill is the publication's 'roving reporter' and has tried out a range of activities for it from horse riding to canal boating.

Carole said: "Gill is the queen of Bridging the Gap. Whatever I ask her to try she will give it a go and then give me her feedback. Because she was in a wheelchair she can see things from both sides.

"She comes up with her own questions and gets to try things she wouldn't normally do. We use an easy-to-read format with pictures so hopefully it is accessible to all."

Gill added: "When I was young there was nothing like this about. People like me used to get locked away. Now there are choices and help."

Facilities for people with learning disabilities have improved, but more could be done.

The women have many anecdotes about the negative experiences those they help have had in the community.

Brenda said: "People need to be more aware that there is a broad spectrum of disability.