A vibrant and heart warming coffee morning was held at Ards Hospital to celebrate Learning Disability Awareness Week.
The event was hosted by the South Eastern Trust’s community nursing learning disability team, with the theme, ‘Do You See Me?’, focusing on breaking down barriers, promoting inclusion and encouraging people to value everyone with a learning disability.
The event brought together service users from across the Trust area and representatives from various learning disability organisations throughout North Down and Ards. It was a joyful morning filled with friendships, new and old, laughter and celebration. Guests were treated to uplifting music from the talented Ravara Makaton Choir.
Wilma Edgar, whose son Carl has a learning disability and attends Ards Training and Resource Centre, attended the event with her friend Denise Maxwell, who also helps care for Carl. Wilma said: “Highlighting and celebrating Learning Disability Awareness Week is so important. Events like this help make the public more aware of people who have a disability. It is vital that those with a Learning Disability have a voice, whether that is in a bank, a shop or anywhere and that people can support them.”
Michaela Burnside, whose daughter Kenzi attends Ravara Training and Resource Centre, echoed those sentiments and stated, “I was delighted to come along today to mark Learning Disability Awareness Week and help share the message, especially about those with hidden disabilities. It is so important to help remove the stigma around special needs.”
Community Learning Disability Sister, Sophie Greene, emphasised the significance of the week and commented: “This year’s theme, Do You See Me?, is all about inclusivity, breaking down barriers and truly valuing people within our society. The aim of today was to come together in celebration and raise awareness of Learning Disability. It is about ensuring people can access the services they need, be fully included in their care and live as fulfilling and independent a life as possible.”
Reflecting on the success of the coffee morning, Learning Disability Nurse, Paula McIlwaine said: “Many of those attending would have gone to school together, so for them, it was like one big reunion, a wonderful way to reconnect and celebrate together.”
