2023-09-18 14:01:08
Learning disabled adults in Ironbridge share memories ahead of new development
Learning disabled adults in Ironbridge have been sharing memories of their time at a local residential service run by learning disability charity Hft, ahead of plans to redevelop the service into a community-based supported living service.
A drop-in event, held recently at the site in Ironbridge, Shropshire, invited learning disabled adults, families and friends with memories to write, draw and share recollections of the service, dating back to when it was first built in the 1980s.
Kate Holdsworth, Hft’s Involvement Coordinator, who hosted the event, explains, “We looked at a range of pictures and talked about people’s memories, putting our favourites up on display boards. It was a real chance to celebrate and share the history of the site.”
Kate is now working on bringing the pictures and memories together into a booklet for people to keep if they wish.
The redevelopment of the site in Ironbridge, from the existing residential service to a community-based supported living environment, is a first for Hft. It aims to empower the learning disabled adults who live there to live their life, their way, as independently as possible as part of the wider community.
Following discussions with the current residents and their families about what they would like to see, the new site, being developed by home builder Lioncourt, will include fully adaptable and sustainably designed houses and bungalows for learning disabled people, complete with shared communal spaces and kitchens, private gardens and parking. 12 of the total 80 properties on site will be allocated to Hft.
The Ironbridge development aims to enable a more independent life through greater choice and control, and help build meaningful connections and relationships with other residents and the wider community.
Hft’s new ‘On your Doorstep’ day service will also be introduced through this project – a new model of support that provides opportunities for learning disabled people to access community-led support and community events outside of a building base. The activities on offer will be specific to a person’s wants and needs.
The charity has also worked with the Local Authority to ensure it is a service they will commission, and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to ensure it aligns with its aims.
The ground-breaking ceremony is set to take place on 18 October, with the development expected to be completed in mid-2026 and a few vacancies remain for anyone who would like to live in the new space.
If you would like to find out more about the project, please contact kate.walton@hft.org.uk.
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
