For the past six months I have worked as a volunteer at Bede House in Southwark in their day centre for adults with learning disabilities. I have been witness to the tireless and inspiring work that the centre staff put in with the centre users, and the creative, thoughtful, supportive, fun and practical activities they offer. I have also enjoyed getting to know many of the people who come to the centre regularly, a group of wonderful, inspiring people. It really is a safe space for people to come, to be heard, to be themselves and to be supported.

People with learning disabilities do not learn certain skills as quickly as other people and may therefore need extra help in certain aspects of their lives. With the right support people can live full and meaningful lives. However, if this support is not provided they may face problems
in gaining independence or a home of their own, in accessing leisure and recreation activities, and/or in developing friendships and relationships.

Bede House provides adults with learning disabilities with 1:1 support; education and training opportunities including preparing service users for employment; volunteering opportunities; a wide variety of creative and social activities (including music, drama, art-making, day trips, a film club to name just a few!); and the opportunity to run the centre's cafe, which is open to the public. They work closely with other support workers to ensure the health and safety of the service users.

You can read more about the centre and learning disability service here: http://www.bedehouse.org.uk/programmes/learning-disabilities/

Bede House provides a vital service, which is why I was sad to hear that due to cuts in their funding they are facing a huge deficit in their income for this year (£200,000), which has already resulted in some redundancies, as well as cuts in the personal budgets of some service users. This means that staff will be even more stretched, and some service users may not be able to attend the centre as much, or receive the level of support that they need.

Although the deficit is large, even a little help goes a long way. I will be walking part of the South Downs Way between Eastbourne and Seaford on Saturday 10th September in order to raise money for this cause. If you feel drawn to, please do make a donation to support this fundraising effort; even a small contribution can help.

Much love,

Louise

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