2023-07-25 10:21:54
Members of Hft’s friendship service celebrate Disability Pride Month in Chester
People supported by learning disability charity Hft have taken to the streets of Chester to celebrate and raise awareness of Disability Pride Month.
Earlier this month, Chester’s Kaleidoscope Festival took place, a week-long festival celebrating the 14.1 million people with a learning disability in the UK, and the festivities commenced with the Disability Pride Parade.
Hft’s local Luv2meetU group, the charity’s friendship service, were keen to be involved in this year’s parade, thought to be the only one of its kind in the country.
The group marched alongside Leeds-based Back Chat brass band who provided the soundtrack to their march. They then returned to the Storyhouse cultural centre for an afternoon of singing and dancing, followed by a performance from Vivo Makaton Choir.
One of the people supported by Hft who attended the parade, Yvonne, says, “I had an absolutely fantastic day! I loved the band and the sign language choir. It was a great turn out and the rain didn’t bother us at all. I was still buzzing from the day that evening!
“It’s really good that we could raise awareness as some people don’t understand learning disabilities. I hope the parade showed what we can do.”
Ben, another member of Luv2meetU, took photos throughout the day which were displayed at the Kaleidoscope’s Got Talent show later that evening.
Louise Devlin, Luv2meetU’s Community Connector, adds, “It was a brilliant day. It was lovely to be a part of the festivities and celebrate Disability Pride Month together with the people we support.
“I hope we can attend again next year!”
Disability Pride Month runs for the month of July and is an opportunity for people to celebrate their disabilities and take pride in their identities, whilst raising awareness of the progress yet to be made.
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
