Learning disability stories

Garden party raises vital funds for adults with learning disabilities

Hft’s much-anticipated annual garden party in Wadebridge, Cornwall has this year raised over £1000 to support local adults with learning disabilities.

Research shows activity levels in learning disabled people increase with social interaction

Researchers at the University of the West of England (Bristol) have observed a clear correlation between the level of activity of a learning disabled woman and the time she spent with visitors, suggesting that having visitors has a positive impact on activity levels.

Charity’s London volunteering programme makes a difference in Barnet

In 2020, in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hft launched a targeted programme to recruit local volunteers to give their time to supportive activities within services in and around London.

Now in its third year, the initiative is doing better than ever – and Hft is looking to extend the programme’s blueprint to other parts of the country.

Liverpool intern wins award for most progress as he navigates the world of work

Joe, an intern who worked behind the scenes at the recent Eurovision Song Contest, has won an award for Most Progress in Hft’s Project SEARCH Celebration Event, held recently to highlight the incredible journeys interns and graduates on the programme have been on.

From mechanic to support worker – Ken’s volunteering story

Ken Czmeiduch has had a packed career working as a breakdown mechanic and as a support worker for national learning disability charity Hft. Now, post-retirement, he remains at the charity on a voluntary basis and is sharing his story to encourage others to volunteer this Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June).

“Volunteering has given me fulfilment” – A Level student shares passion for volunteering

Seventeen-year-old student Dariush Khodakhah is speaking out about his fulfilling experience volunteering for learning disability charity Hft in Leeds as he encourages others to donate some of their time this Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June).

“You’re a part of making a positive difference” – Volunteers’ Week 2023

This Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), Creative Writing graduate Lucy Vigar is encouraging others to give volunteering a go as she shares her experience of volunteering at national learning disability charity Hft.

Garden centre run by learning disabled people welcomes the local community

National learning disability charity Hft is encouraging members of the local community to visit its garden centre in Ugley, run by and for learning disabled adults.

Sacha ‘scales’ Mount Fuji for Hft

Sacha Samms, a Community Coordinator with Luv2meetU (L2MU), Hft’s friendship and dating service, has received a medal for completing The Conqueror’s Mount Fuji Virtual Challenge, walking 46 miles in 10 days, and raising money for learning disabled adults.

Learning disabled interns meet local employers at Flint reverse jobs fair

Interns with a learning disability who are seeking employment opportunities came together with local businesses last week as national learning disability charity Hft hosted a reverse job fair at Flint Library in Flintshire.