Local MP visits Nether Padley service to meet learning disabled adults

SARAH Dines, MP for Derbyshire Dales, visited the Nether Padley residential service, run by the national learning disability charity Hft, earlier this month to hear of the lived experiences and daily challenges faced by learning disabled people.

Ms Dines spoke to some of the adults supported by Hft about her job and heard what the charity does to support people with a learning disability within her constituency.

The visit was an important opportunity for people supported in Derbyshire to develop a relationship with her. Following a tour of the service, the MP took questions from the residents about her job and the constituency.

The eight residents supported at Hft Nether Padley were keen to put these questions to their local MP and were excited to meet her in person. One commented that they really enjoyed talking to her, and another simply added, ‘she was a nice lady’.

Reflecting on the visit, Ms Dines said:

“I am grateful that I had the chance to meet all the lovely residents and to hear about how they all thoroughly enjoy living at the home, and I was most impressed by the dedication and professionalism of their staff.

“I had the opportunity to answer some questions from residents in our Q&A and discuss the adult care industry with both Louise and Joanne of Hft. It was clear to me that Pinegrove provides a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment to those living there. Thank you to Pinegrove residents and team for welcoming me.”

Louise Smith, Cluster Team Manager for the area, added:

“Sarah was really friendly with all the people we support at Pinegrove. She was genuinely interested in each person she spoke to. She didn’t rush anyone and took the time to listen.

“Everyone loved showing Sarah around their flats and the communal areas. I really liked how open she was with talking to the people we support and engaging with everyone that was there.”