2023-03-10 16:00:01
The Lord Mayor visits Preston service to meet learning disabled adults
Neil Darby, The Lord Mayor of Preston, visited a local supported living service, run by national learning disability charity Hft, yesterday (Monday 6 March) to familiarise himself with the charity’s work in Preston and the wider Lancashire area, and engage in conversations with learning disabled adults.
The visit was an important opportunity for people supported in Preston to develop a relationship with the Lord Mayor in the final few months of his term and raise awareness of the charity’s work within the area.
The Lord Mayor spoke to a number of learning disabled adults supported by Hft and shared stories about his job and their lived experiences. The four residents who met with the Lord Mayor were excited about the visit and spoke about the history of the charity and how the on cost of living crisis has affected the service.
One resident asked if she could try on the Lord Mayor’s chain and was left beaming, commenting on how perfect it looked on her.
Reflecting on the visit, the Lord Mayor says, “It was wonderful to see up close the great work that Hft do in our community to support adults with learning disabilities to live their lives to the fullest. I really enjoyed meeting and talking to the people they work with and hearing about how important this work is.
“It was amazing to hear the dedication from those working with Hft and their commitment to the charity, and I appreciate their time in explaining in detail their ongoing work in and around Preston and Lancashire.”
This visit came about following a conversation between Hft’s fundraising team and the Lord Mayor himself who was keen to see first hand what is being done to support learning disabled people in Preston.
Teresa Mead, Community Fundraising Officer at Hft, says, “The visit went very well. It was lovely to see the engagement between the people we support and the Lord Mayor. We spoke about everything from the work Hft does to one resident’s fast-approaching holiday to Turkey and another’s love for snooker.
“Throughout all the conversations, the Lord Mayor was engaging, really listened to the residents, and expressed how he was keen to share the work Hft does. It was really lovely to be a part of.”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
