2018-10-10 14:34:46
A support worker from Folkestone is celebrating three decades of supporting adults with learning disabilities to live the best life possible.
Heidi Hindry, aged 64, works for Hft, supporting people who she describes as “extended family”, to live in their own homes in Lympne and Hythe.
After studying nutrition in her native Germany, Heidi began her career at Hft as a relief support worker after visiting a service to share her expertise on diets and health. Her time at the charity includes a stint in the kitchen, where she worked as a cook for over ten years, before returning to support work when the service moved from residential care into supported living.
To mark this professional milestone, one of the area’s longest-supported residents, Jerry, presented Heidi with flowers, along with a certificate and some vouchers, at a special ceremony.
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Reflecting on the last three decades, Heidi said:
“I’m so proud of the amazing people I’ve worked with over the years as a support worker. Supporting people to the best of my ability has definitely been my greatest achievement. Seeing a person grow and being involved in helping them fulfil their dreams is absolutely brilliant. If you see someone learning a new skill and starting to do something independently, it’s an amazing feeling.
“The highlight of my time at Hft has been having the opportunity to support people to live their lives independently. I’ve supported people to be active in their community, go for job interviews and be accepted, and make friends outside their home, as well as becoming responsible for keeping their homes in order and learning about things like finances.”
Wendy Hawkins, local Operations Manager, said:
“We’re delighted to be celebrating this amazing milestone with Heidi. Support workers are the bedrock of Hft, so long-serving staff like Heidi really make a difference to the people we support.
“Heidi has been a major part of the lives of people we support in South Kent and her caring and patient nature has meant she’s built a strong connection with the many people she has supported during her 30 years here. She’s also had a leading role embracing new starters over the years and has helped empower both staff and people we support.”
Encouraging others to consider a career in support work, Heidi advises that being patient, caring and a great listener are all important qualities to have in her line of work. She notes that “giving people with learning disabilities the chance to lead a full and happy life with plenty of chances to achieve their goals provides the best job satisfaction you could imagine.”
Hft currently supports more than 2,500 people with learning disabilities across the country. This includes supporting people with learning disabilities to live independently in their own homes, providing employment services to help people develop skills and experience for work and helping people to pursue hobbies, make new friends and get involved in their local communities.
To find out more about support worker roles at Hft visit our jobs page.
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
Location: Hft Kent South
