Learning disability stories

Learning disability charity support worker encourages a move away from autism stereotypes

In celebration of World Autism Acceptance Week (27 March – 2 April), a Support Practitioner at learning disability charity Hft is sharing an insight into working with autistic people in the hopes of raising awareness and encouraging acceptance.

Local MP visits Nether Padley service to meet learning disabled adults

Sarah Dines, MP for Derbyshire Dales, visited the Nether Padley residential service, run by national learning disability charity Hft, earlier this month to hear of the lived experiences and daily challenges faced by learning disabled people.

Government’s plan to cut £250m from social care workforce funding is ‘disgraceful’

Despite the focus on long-term stability, the Chancellor was notably quiet on social care funding in last week’s Spring Budget announcements. Then, today, less than a week later, there are reports that Ministers are planning to cut in half the £500m they had promised to invest in staffing for the sector.

One third of adult social care providers, including half of smaller organisations, consider exiting the market amid financial pressures, report reveals 

Chancellor’s silence on social care is deafening – Spring Budget 2023

Today, the Chancellor spoke of creating long term stability through his budget. But what about social care? Despite the adult social care sector facing enormous pressure following a winter of rising energy costs and a continued workforce crisis, the Chancellor offered no support for social care funding and the silence is deafening.

The Lord Mayor visits Preston service to meet learning disabled adults

The Lord Mayor of Preston visited Hft's supported living service, to engage in conversations with learning disabled adults.

DFN Project Search graduate celebrates her role as a Business Administration Apprentice this International Women’s Day

From sales to social care – how caring for a family member led to an unexpected career change

When Sonny Waugh’s wife became unwell last year and needed support with personal care, he instinctively stepped in to help. Since then, Sonny has started an unexpected career in social care and is encouraging others to consider working in the sector.

From Centre Parcs to beach visits – a day in the life of a support worker

This National Careers Week, support worker Lisa Dunstan is hoping to encourage others to consider a career in social care as she shares exactly what a day in the life of a support worker entails.

Learning disabled charity calls for improved provision of supported internships

Hft has welcomed the Government’s commitment to double the number of supported internships in its SEND improvement plan ‘as a step in the right direction’ but adds that it would like to see improved provision for follow-on support to enable learning disabled people to stay in paid employment.