2022-10-04 14:39:19
Stroud MP visits charity’s Stroud service to listen to concerns from adults with a learning disability
Stroud’s first female MP, Siobhan Baillie, visited national learning disability charity Hft’s Westward Road service in Stroud on Thursday 29 September to give individuals an opportunity to raise concerns about issues in their constituency.
Siobhan answered questions ranging from transport and the NHS, to benefits. High on the agenda was social care funding and Siobhan gave assurances that she would take forward suggestions to both local and central government.
The people supported by Hft who attended the meeting also heard about what working as an MP was like, and the responsibilities of the job.
Sally, who asked questions in the meeting said, “She was interesting and listened well” while Alison said, “It was quite good. I liked her, she was helpful”. Rob a prolific artist who is supported by Hft in Stroud said, “She was a very nice lady”.
Siobhan commented on her visit, “Many thanks to Hft for inviting me to visit. It was lovely to see the residents’ independence and their fantastic artwork. Social care funding remains a huge challenge so to hear from the charity and its residents about funding is really important. I will continue to raise this in parliament. Many congratulations to Hft for its 60th anniversary year too. It is undertaking tremendous work in our community.”
Victoria Hemmingway, Head of Public Affairs and Policy at Hft, said “We’re really grateful that Siobhan came to visit and speak to the people we support. It was a great opportunity for them to express their views and be heard by their local representative. We’re looking forward to seeing what steps Siobhan takes to support people with a learning disability in Stroud and across the country.”
Sam Tubb, Registered Area Manager, told Ms Baillie how Hft does invaluable work supporting adults with a learning disability in Gloucestershire, including supported living, residential care, specialist support services, domiciliary care and a programme of supported leisure activities.
The charity is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, having first been founded at Frocester Manor in Gloucestershire in the 1960s, at a time when there were limited opportunities available for children with learning disabilities when they reached adulthood.
In 1962, a group of visionary parents got together to discuss their children’s futures. Wanting to ensure their children would continue to learn and develop and fulfil their full potential after leaving school, these parents decided the only option was to do something themselves. They pulled together to purchase Frocester Manor, creating a home where they could be sure their children would continue to be supported to lead fulfilling lives, throughout their lives.
Hft grew over the years as more families recognised how it could support them in achieving a better life for their sons and daughters. Hft has grown significantly since those small beginnings though, and the charity now supports more than 2,200 adults with learning disabilities and their families around the country.
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
