2023-07-17 10:52:54
From Mariachi bands to the bagpipes – the learning disabled adults on a mission to explore the world’s cultures
Learning disabled adults at national learning disability charity Hft’s Bedfordshire service have already covered thousands of miles this year, from Mexico to Scotland, in their quest to explore and celebrate the feast of cultures the world has to offer.
At the start of the year, staff and residents at Hft’s Bedfordshire service started a fresh calendar of cultural celebration for 2023, led by Registered Care Home Manager Claire Davies-Sond and Deputy Care Home Manager Abbie Greaves.
The decision to launch the cultural calendar followed the resounding success of a giant interactive advent calendar which had been hosted at the service during the Christmas period.
Claire explains, “The giant advent calendar was such a success, that in the residents’ meeting that followed, we came to the conclusion that we wanted to share and learn about different cultures – directly inspired by our multicultural colleagues!”
The group began their journey exploring the world’s cultures in January, celebrating Scotland and culminating in a Burns Night celebration of Robert Burns’ poetry, playing the bagpipes and sampling some Scottish cuisine for the first time including haggis, neaps and tatties.
They also enjoyed a singalong to Auld Lang Syne, which is traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve and Burns Night. Claire explains how the recently-established adjoining door between the two buildings at the service enabled everyone to come together, physically connecting two old friends, Joanna and Dinah:
“Joanna and Dinah were best friends who lived at our service for over 20 years. At this point, both of them were bed bound. In Robbie Burns’ Auld Lang Syne, we sing, ‘Should auld acquaintance be forgot…’, and by joining hands from Joanna’s room to Dinah’s, through the new door, we created a chain of people, linking these two old friends as we sang. It was so very beautiful.”
In February, the service ‘travelled’ to the United States for an all-American affair which consisted of hamburgers and fries, and a visit from one of America’s biggest music stars – Elvis, giving residents a chance to take a selfie with The King.
Then, in March, the service paid homage to Ireland with St Patrick’s Day. The residents, again, tasted some traditional delicacies, crunching on some Tayto crisps and sipping on some Guinness.
The Dublin drink was a particular favourite of Alistair, who is supported at the service, about whom Claire shares a short story:
“Ali has limited verbal communication and is registered blind. A few months before this St Patrick’s Day, his dad contacted us to say he and Ali’s brothers were travelling to Ireland, and that their thoughts would be with Alistair while they were over.
“We thought it only fitting to support Ali to toast his father and brothers when they were away – and it later turned out that both Ali, and his dad and brothers in Ireland, had toasted each other on the same day, at the same time: 5.30pm!”
Meanwhile, April was the month of Mexico for which Community Support Worker Freya Cutts helped to prepare a mouth-watering spread of enchiladas, tacos and nachos for everyone to enjoy. The service was also visited by a mariachi band, bringing a flavour of the centuries’-old Mexican music tradition to the service and staff and residents onto the kitchen-cum-dancefloor.
Claire says, “It was the most colourful time! On our kitchen wall, our sign says, ‘the kitchen is for dancing’, and during our Mexican month, we really made it so!
A mum of one of the people supported at the service adds, “When we got sent pictures of our young man dancing and singing on Mexican night – WOW – that smile on his face just says it all. He tasted new food and ate two portions, he experienced new music, welcomed new people into his house, and was happy that they were there, and he had the most amazing time.
“Please keep it up!”
Reflecting on the success of the cultural calendar so far, Claire says:
“The people we support have a very active social life outside of our home – but our extra-special events series has meant that many of our residents have really got to love a house party!
“It has also been just incredible to see people really come out of their comfort zones of their own accord, out of sheer curiosity and enjoyment, to spend time with new people and try new things.
“We’re really looking forward to what the next run of events holds!”
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
