For 21 years, Phil has carried out a role that is relied on every day — delivering the mail at Hft’s Ryeford Court. Every morning, Phil puts on his postman’s jacket and heads out on his rounds, looking forward to the conversations that come with delivering the letters and parcels to others at the service.
“I know people are waiting for me,” Phil says. “That feels good.”
While Phil’s role is part of everyday life at Ryeford Court, opportunities like this are still rare for learning disabled people.
Many learning disabled adults want roles that allow them to make a difference, build routine and be part of their community, but too often those opportunities don’t exist.
Now 75, Phil first took on his volunteer postman role more than two decades ago at Hft’s Old Quarries service and he continued it when he moved to Ryeford Court.
For Phil, his role provides structure, purpose and connection. It gives shape to his days and a clear responsibility that others rely on.
Each day starts at 7am. Phil is the first one up, putting on his bespoke Royal Mail postie’s jacket — ordered by his support team — before ringing the bell to let staff know he’s ready. Using his walker, he collects the post from the office and delivers it to every home on site.
“I knock on everyone’s door,” he says. “They expect me every day. I make sure everyone gets their post. And we have a chat.”
Alongside his deliveries, Phil also takes pride in being the recycling supervisor, helping to sort materials for collection and contributing to the wider community.
“I like having a job,” he says. “It keeps me busy.”
Research by the Department of Health and Social Care reveals only 6 per cent of learning disabled people are in paid work, compared with around three quarters of the wider population.
Phil’s role is voluntary and it shows the value of access to purposeful work and the difference it makes when people are supported to contribute in ways that meet a need and also work for the individual.
This Learning Disability Week, as people across the country are asked “Do you see me?”, Phil’s experience highlights what it means to be recognised for the role you play and the contribution you make.
Outside work, Phil enjoys watching sport, supporting Manchester United, following the Six Nations rugby and spending time in his garden. He also enjoys trips out with his support team and tucking into his favourite takeaway – fish and chips. Support worker Jaz says football is a regular topic of conversation. “Phil supports United and I support Manchester City,” she says. “So there’s plenty of friendly rivalry.”
After 21 years on the job, one thing is clear: Phil’s role matters — to him and to the people who look out for the knock on the door each morning.
Find out how you can support learning disabled adults to live the lives they choose by visiting our Learning Disability Week page.
