Inclusion at the heart of Learning Disabilities Awareness Week in Southwark

17 June 2019

To mark Learning Disabilities Awareness Week Cllr Jasmine Ali visited Bede House to see the important work they do for young people and adults with learning disabilities in the borough.

Local charity Bede House works with local people to deliver a range of services, including a range programmes specifically for people with learning disabilities. The focus of Bede’s activities, training, volunteering and employment programmes for people with learning difficulties aim to build the skills and confidence of the person who has a learning disability so that everyone, whatever their level of disability, can play their part in the community.

Cllr Ali heard how residents had benefitted from the Bede Travel Buddy programme. The scheme sees volunteers, some of whom have a disability themselves, help Bede clients travel more independently on buses, trains and on foot. For the volunteers themselves it also represents an opportunity to enter into employment for the first time.

Brian cares for his sister in law Ann, who has two Bede travel buddies, he says: “It would be very fair to say Maggie and Michelle’s impact on Ann’s quality of life is beyond measure, and for that, we are truly and profoundly grateful. The gains for the client are enormous. They gain a sense of inclusion and freedom travelling on public transport. They make real friends with their buddy. The word ‘buddy’ is very well chosen, and the Bede takes great care to ensure the travel buddy will be a great match for the client.

“Ann’s confidence and outlook has been hugely and positively impacted by the opportunity to travel freely and always safely supervised on buses and trains. She feels a far more included member of society.”

A key project for Bede is Inside Outside, which introduces volunteers who have a Learning Disability to local frail and elderly householders. The scheme won The Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2008 in recognition of the way that Bede connects people of different backgrounds to each other so they can make life better, together.

Cllr Jasmine Ali, cabinet member for Children, Schools and Adult Care said: “What is clear is Bede’s focus on the future, both in terms of what they want to achieve as an organisation and for the residents that use their services. Residents who attend Bede House come away with skills they can use in the future and equipped to handle whatever challenges they may face. It is fantastic to hear about the very real impact Bede is having on its clients.

“Bede is of course just one of the charities and organisations that Southwark Council works with to deliver services across the borough. This Learning Disabilities Awareness Week I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for the important work they all do for our residents.” 

Page last updated: 17 June 2019