2018-05-21 15:30:00
A service supporting adults with learning disabilities in Cornwall to live the best life possible is marking a milestone anniversary with a Mad Hatter-themed garden party.
The service, which is run by learning disabilities charity Hft, is well known in Wadebridge for the annual event, which sees visitors, people supported at the service, and local suppliers coming together to enjoy food and activities in the grounds.
This year’s party is particularly special as it marks the 25th anniversary of Hft supporting adults with learning disabilities in Cornwall, so the service is pulling out all the stops to create a truly memorable day.
Stalls will be run by people supported at the service as well as by local businesses, and will include an ice-cream stand, a nail bar, bouncy castle, a tombola and a raffle. Mad Hatter-themed fancy dress is encouraged, with prizes being awarded to the best-dressed guests, while a mobile bar, live bands and workshops will also be on offer.
The garden party also marks the launch of the centre’s latest venture, a flower shop selling cuttings grown at the service’s polytunnel. Called The Hidden Gem, it will incorporate a tea garden where visitors can enjoy a cream tea while they browse the plants.
Hft Operations Manager Sue Chapman has been working at the centre for 23 years. She says the main reason behind the event is to open the service’s doors to the community. “This year we mark 25 years of supporting adults with learning disabilities to live the best life possible. The garden party is an opportunity for the public to join us and see all the good work we do, and be made to feel welcome in this amazing service. The people we support are part of the community too – they were born here, it’s their town. It’s a chance for everyone to get together and celebrate into the night!”
All proceeds from the event will go towards improving services for people with learning disabilities at the Resource Centre. In particular, they are hoping to buy a laptop which will be used by staff and people with autism who prefer to find a quiet space of their own to work. Also on the shopping list is a video camera for filming the centre’s drama productions, and a replacement cover for the polytunnel.
The annual Hft Cornwall Garden Party takes place on Wednesday 30 May from 11am till late. Entry costs £3 for an adult and £2 for children which can be purchased on the door.
Notes to editors
For further information please phone 07500 224654 or 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
Location: Hft Cornwall