New funding to support autistic and learning-disabled people in Westminster

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A charity in London will support the “hidden population” of autistic and learning-disabled people in Westminster, thanks to new funding. 

Learning Disability Network London (LDN London) currently runs a community centre, the Enablement Hub, on the Harrow Road in Westminster. With support from Westminster Council the charity will expand its current community programme to Victoria, giving advice and running workshops at a second Hub at Victoria Library.

The charity will grow its team to help more people in the local community.   

LDN London’s Enablement Hubs support learning disabled and autistic people who get little or no support to manage their lives. They take part in workshops about life skills, including health and relationships, finance, and safety, make friends, and join in activities and events.

With this funding from Westminster Council’s Fairer Westminster Investment Programme, LDN London will be able to reach more learning disabled and autistic people across Westminster who want help in their daily lives.

On Friday 13 September, LDN London and Westminster Council officially opened the new Enablement Hub at Victoria Library with a ribbon-cutting and a workshop.  

Councillor Nafsika Butler-Thalassis, Westminster’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, attended the event. She said:

“I am so pleased that we are funding LDN London to provide much-needed support, advice, and activities for learning disabled and autistic residents. This is an important step towards ensuring learning disabled and autistic residents are empowered to extend their independence, learn new skills and participate in activities they enjoy.”

 

Kym, a local resident who regularly goes to the Enablement Hubs, said:

“I really enjoy coming along to the sessions, especially the sports, dancing and singing sessions. I’ve also enjoyed helping and volunteering. It’s been great socially too and meeting other residents.”

LDN London will also recruit five new team members as part of this programme, including two autistic or learning disabled apprentices.

The charity will hire two community outreach workers to give up to 25 hours one-to-one help, supporting people with managing bills, going to health appointments, and completing forms. LDN London will also employ a community engagement worker to lead on initiatives for autistic people.

Sally, who is one of the interns for LDN London’s Enablement Hub, said:

“I’ve enjoyed the sessions and as part of it I’ve been given the opportunity to be an intern at LDN London focusing on community engagement. I’ve learnt quite a lot”.

LDN London has been supporting learning disabled and autistic people in London for over 60 years. The charity was previously named The Westminster Society.

The Enablement Hubs are tackling inequalities faced by learning disabled and autistic people. Those who don’t qualify for support often must do tasks they find difficult on their own. They also face many challenges in their daily lives because of a lack of the right support and prejudice in society- including poor healthcare, higher rates of mental health problems, loneliness and being victims of crime and hate crimes.

The charity’s aim for The Enablement Hubs is to support people with learning disabilities to overcome social isolation, be more independent and to be fully included in the community.

Mandy Crowford, Assistant CEO at LDN London, said: “Too many learning disabled, and autistic people don’t get the support they want and need, and we hope to change that. We want to help this hidden population to live safe, happy and healthy lives.”

Luana Baptista, head of community engagement at LDN London, said: “We are grateful for this funding, which means we can reach even more learning disabled and autistic people and help them to be fully included in our communities.”

The workshops at The Enablement Hubs focus on life skills that help people to live independently and have healthy, safe and fulfilling lives. Recent workshops have been on voting, having healthy relationships, inclusive trips to The British Museum, as well as regular men’s and women’s groups.

If you would like to find out more about The Enablement Hubs, visit Learning Disability Network London’s website:

https://www.ldnlondon.org/find-support/ldn-community-hub/

LDN London’s Hubs are based at 389A Harrow Road and at Victoria Library.