2024-08-01 10:21:02
A bumper trip to the seaside for learning disabled adults from Shefford
Two learning disabled men from Bedfordshire unexpectedly found themselves being treated as VIPs on a bumper car ride during a day out to Hunstanton Beach.
David and Adrian, who are supported by learning disability charity Hft at Hitchin Road in Shefford, were part of a group from the residential service who spent a day at the seaside recently.
Supported by colleagues from the service, the pair were particularly keen on the idea of riding the bumper cars at the nearby amusement park. However, they were nervous about going on the ride and being jolted by other members of the public.
Adrian and David enjoying the bumper cars with support workers Olabanji and Alex
Support workers Helen Inskip, Olabanji Oladele and Alex Ross Blundell had the chance to speak with the person operating the ride and he agreed to run a private session for David and Adrian so they could hop in and drive around the arena by themselves.
“The pair absolutely loved this,” says Helen. “David enjoyed it so much that he had his hands on the steering wheel so hard so that he didn’t have to let go!”
The day out came about after people supported at the service asked for a day out by the sea.
“Our brilliant colleagues happily obliged and those who made the trip were blessed with glorious sunshine on the day,” says Claire Davies-Sond, Manager at Hitchin Road.
“Everyone had the chance to go walking on the beach and breathe in the sea air. The fact that the person manning the bumper car ride was so obliging made everyone’s day – he is a true learning disability ally,” says Claire.
Adrian enjoying the sunshine with support worker Helen
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
