Learning disability charity hosts fundraising coffee morning

A Bishop’s Stortford learning disability charity is inviting the public to a coffee morning in order to raise funds for a much-anticipated trip.

Hft’s Herts and Essex service is inviting the local community to a fundraising coffee morning on Saturday 26 May.

A generous spread of hot drinks, cakes and scones will be on offer, and attendees will also be able to purchase hand-made crafts items made by people at the service. All funds raised will go towards enabling people supported by the Hft Herts & Essex to spend a long weekend away on a tall ship, learning to handle the craft and experiencing life at sea.

Hft Regional Manager Keith May explained why the planned trip was so significant. “Planning and going on holiday always has the potential to be stressful, but for many people with learning disabilities it can be a real challenge. In some cases, their support needs may prevent them from going away at all.”

“Most of the people we support have never set foot on a boat, and at least one has never been on holiday.”

During the four-day trip, people with learning disabilities will be involved in every aspect of life on board – from cooking and scrubbing decks, to putting up sails and steering. Teamwork is essential, and the clear routine and structure of the day particularly appeals to those with autism.

“We think the people we support deserve to have the same experiences as the rest of us,” says Keith. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime for many of them – broadening their horizons and giving a sense of enjoyment and achievement they wouldn’t achieve elsewhere’.

The service is run by national learning disability charity Hft, and offers person-centred services that include residential care, day opportunities and supported living at home – from a few hours a week to 24 hours a day.

Lisa Harrison, Divisional Fundraising Manager, encourages the local public to come along to the coffee morning. “It’ll be a great opportunity to visit the service and enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake, as well as meeting others from the community. You can be certain of a warm welcome and good company!”

The Hft Herts and Essex coffee morning with be held on Saturday 26 May from 10am – 12pm at Bishop’s Stortford Methodist Church, 34b South Street, CM23 3AZ. Prices will be £1 for a hot drink and a piece of cake.

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