This International Women’s Day (8 March), we’re celebrating the achievements of some of the outstanding staff and people we support at Hft.
This year’s theme is #EachforEqual, and encourages people to take individual action to contribute towards a more equal society.
To mark the day, we’re celebrating two women at Hft who have worked towards equality by speaking up for people with learning disabilities, and supporting them to live life on their own terms.
Em’s story
Em has been supported at an Hft service in Leeds for ten years. The 33 year old has always played an active role in speaking up for others with learning disabilities, and regularly attends meetings of Hft’s speak-out group, Voices to be Heard. When a manager at her service suggested she volunteer for Leeds City Council as a Good Life Leader three years ago, Em jumped at the opportunity to have her say.
The role involves visiting services funded by the council to ensure that people with learning disabilities there are being supported in the right way. Em chats to people using the services, asks members of staff questions, and shares her observations on whether people have access to their community, and seem happy and well supported. Em also undertakes training with various other establishments to help her get the most out of her role, including recent safeguarding training at Hft.
Em says:
“I enjoy being a Good Life Leader and I’m proud of my achievements. I want to do it for as long as possible. It’s a wonderful experience and I like meeting new people. I think it’s important to use my voice – I’m good at speaking up for myself.”
Amy Gordon, Involvement Coordinator, said:
“As Em is an experienced quality checker, we are really pleased that she has joined our new Best Life Checker team to help us check the quality of support people are receiving from our teams at Hft.”
Carryann’s story
Hft support workers achieve exceptional things every day in their work supporting people to live the best life possible – part of this involves ensuring that people with learning disabilities have the opportunity to explore interests and try new things just like anyone else. One of the many women making a difference at Hft is Carryann Munday from Kent, who became a support worker three years ago.
When Carryann started supporting Mike, she started working to find an activity that captured his attention – something that had proven difficult for Mike’s previous support workers. Knowing that Mike enjoyed spending time outdoors, she suggested heading out to a local lake and watching some people fishing. Mike immediately struck up conversation, and after finding out more about the activity, was keen to try it out as soon as possible!
Carryann supported Mike on his first fishing trip and it proved to be a huge hit. Many fishing excursions have followed since, with Carryann consistently going above and beyond to ensure Mike is able to make the most of his new hobby. Since meeting Carryann, Mike’s wellbeing has hugely improved, resulting in more positive communication with his housemates and support workers. Carryann‘s patience and creativity has been noted by other staff members, who are inspired by her work enhancing the lives of people with learning disabilities.
Carryann said:
“Since I became a support worker, I’ve loved supporting people with learning disabilities to try new things and live their life to the fullest. I love being able to make a difference in people’s lives and helping them have the life they deserve. Seeing the joy on their faces is such a huge reward for me and it truly makes me happy.”
Mike said:
“I like fishing, I catch big fish. Carryann is my friend – I like Carryann, fishing’s fun. The big fish and watching, I’m good at fishing.”
