Lockdown and isolating have been hard for us all, but especially for vulnerable people with learning disabilities and autism who are facing struggles most of us wouldn’t imagine.
Henry is usually an outgoing and confident young man. Living with a disability means he faces obstacles every day, though this doesn’t stop him being a huge part of his local community. But when the pandemic hit, everything changed.
“At the beginning of lockdown it was stressful because I didn’t know what was going to happen. I was worried about just seeing the same four walls every day. My anxiety was sky high.” Henry – Supported by Hft
No-one should feel alone, especially at this time of year. It really is important, especially during these difficult times, that people with learning disabilities and autism do not feel they are on their own in this world.
You can help Henry and the people we support feel safer, less alone and regain some confidence – so they can enjoy the festivities and life into the New Year. No one knows how our future will be impacted by Covid-19, but we do know that people like Henry need us right now.
£5 could give someone we support a weekly call, a much needed life-line
Many of the people we support are shielding due to underlying health conditions, and are feeling the toll of being alone for so long, cut off from friends and family, from their support networks. These calls are sometimes the only voice they hear all week – and so are vital to making them feel that they are not alone.
£20 could help someone access our new digital support package
With our normal friendship groups and events unable to run, we’ve launched a brand new Digital Luv2meetU support package. Making is accessible to so many more people. It helps members connect with their friends, creates opportunities to meet new people and helps them stay active. This is vital to their mental health and wellbeing, especially as so many are isolated and lonely. A busy monthly programme of virtual events brings people together across the country, many who have never had the chance to meet before.
Our frontline staff have been doing their absolute best for the people in their care, please help us to continue to do so:
I have congratulated the staff on how they’ve looked after my daughter. Couldn’t have asked for anything better – they’ve worked extra hours to keep limited people going in [to reduce the risk of infection].
A family member of someone we support
Donate to help Hft continue to go above and beyond
If you’d like to support people with learning disabilities now, and into the future, you might like to set up a regular donation.