Latest news with #Down'sSyndrome
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Just 5pc of people with learning disabilities are currently in work
A lack of visible role models in the workplace – particularly in customer-facing roles – is a major barrier to seeking employment for adults with learning disabilities such as Down's Syndrome and Autism, new research has revealed. In the UK, there are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities, but only 5% are currently employed. Hilton's survey of more than 500 people with learning disabilities and their carers found that 79% believe businesses should do more to promote job opportunities and the benefits of inclusive hiring. Just 16% of respondents who are in the workforce said they have a role model with a similar condition to connect with and learn from. The study, released to mark Learning Disability Week, highlights the importance of hiring, supporting and celebrating employees with learning disabilities, particularly in customer facing service roles across sectors such as hospitality and retail. Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: 'Representation matters – seeing people like yourself succeed at work builds confidence and opens doors to career opportunity. Our team members with learning disabilities contribute across a wide range of roles, from front-of-house positions like reception and concierge to behind-the-scenes work in kitchens, housekeeping, and revenue management. They bring unique strengths and a strong commitment that enrich our culture and elevate the guest experience. By providing the right support and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and demonstrate that inclusion is a powerful driver of success in hospitality.' Sam Innes, Food and Beverage Assistant, The Waldorf Hilton, London added: 'Finding work was really difficult for me, so when I started my role at Hilton, it was such a relief. I've always wanted to work and be around people, and I knew a hotel would be the perfect place to do that. Having a job helps people with learning disabilities feel valued and shows others what we can achieve when given the chance. It's boosted my confidence and helped me become more independent. Now, I want to be a role model and inspire others to believe that they can do it too.' This year marks the 10th anniversary of Hilton's partnership with Aurora Foxes, a hospitality college and training hotel in Minehead that supports young people with learning disabilities. Over the past decade, the collaboration has provided 89 work placements, with 15 former students currently employed in roles with Hilton. A long-standing partnership with the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) has also enabled 52 work placements, with almost 40 team members currently working at Hilton through the DSA's WorkFit programme. To celebrate the valuable contributions of people with learning disabilities in the workforce, Hilton opened a pop-up tearoom at The Waldorf Hilton, London, on 16 June. The event featured a special performance from blind, autistic musical savant Derek Paravicini. The tearoom gave Aurora Foxes students real-world experience preparing and serving afternoon tea, including a signature two-tone macaroon created especially for the event. The macaroon, inspired by vintage sweet-shop flavours and Aurora Foxes' college colours, was co-created by six students and their chef tutor alongside Executive Head Chef Malcolm Camilleri. Ahead of the launch, students also visited the hotel to help design the menu and service, while leaders from the hotel provided training at Aurora Foxes – strengthening this two-way partnership. Additional public sittings will take place on 2 July at 12 noon, 2:30pm, and 5:00pm. Tickets are priced at £49.50 and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book, contact:
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Just 5pc of people with learning disabilities are currently in work
Just 5pc of people with learning disabilities are currently in work In the UK, there are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities Aurora Foxes students serving Afternoon Tea for Hilton's A Meal to Change Minds event A lack of visible role models in the workplace – particularly in customer-facing roles – is a major barrier to seeking employment for adults with learning disabilities such as Down's Syndrome and Autism, new research has revealed. In the UK, there are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities, but only 5% are currently employed. Hilton's survey of more than 500 people with learning disabilities and their carers found that 79% believe businesses should do more to promote job opportunities and the benefits of inclusive hiring. Just 16% of respondents who are in the workforce said they have a role model with a similar condition to connect with and learn from. The study, released to mark Learning Disability Week, highlights the importance of hiring, supporting and celebrating employees with learning disabilities, particularly in customer facing service roles across sectors such as hospitality and retail. Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: 'Representation matters – seeing people like yourself succeed at work builds confidence and opens doors to career opportunity. Our team members with learning disabilities contribute across a wide range of roles, from front-of-house positions like reception and concierge to behind-the-scenes work in kitchens, housekeeping, and revenue management. They bring unique strengths and a strong commitment that enrich our culture and elevate the guest experience. By providing the right support and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and demonstrate that inclusion is a powerful driver of success in hospitality.' Article continues below Sam Innes, Food and Beverage Assistant, The Waldorf Hilton, London added: 'Finding work was really difficult for me, so when I started my role at Hilton, it was such a relief. I've always wanted to work and be around people, and I knew a hotel would be the perfect place to do that. Having a job helps people with learning disabilities feel valued and shows others what we can achieve when given the chance. It's boosted my confidence and helped me become more independent. Now, I want to be a role model and inspire others to believe that they can do it too.' This year marks the 10th anniversary of Hilton's partnership with Aurora Foxes, a hospitality college and training hotel in Minehead that supports young people with learning disabilities. Over the past decade, the collaboration has provided 89 work placements, with 15 former students currently employed in roles with Hilton. A long-standing partnership with the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) has also enabled 52 work placements, with almost 40 team members currently working at Hilton through the DSA's WorkFit programme. To celebrate the valuable contributions of people with learning disabilities in the workforce, Hilton opened a pop-up tearoom at The Waldorf Hilton, London, on 16 June. The event featured a special performance from blind, autistic musical savant Derek Paravicini. Article continues below The tearoom gave Aurora Foxes students real-world experience preparing and serving afternoon tea, including a signature two-tone macaroon created especially for the event. The macaroon, inspired by vintage sweet-shop flavours and Aurora Foxes' college colours, was co-created by six students and their chef tutor alongside Executive Head Chef Malcolm Camilleri. Ahead of the launch, students also visited the hotel to help design the menu and service, while leaders from the hotel provided training at Aurora Foxes – strengthening this two-way partnership. Additional public sittings will take place on 2 July at 12 noon, 2:30pm, and 5:00pm. Tickets are priced at £49.50 and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book, contact:
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Timmy Mallet completes cycle around island of Ireland
Timmy Mallet completes cycle around island of Ireland While on the 6,000km cycle of roads, paths and greenways, he discovered a family link to Blacksod Lighthouse in Co Mayo that has deeply affected him TV presenter Timmy Mallett visiting the Parliament Buildings at Stormont (Image: Liam McBurney/PA Wire ) TV host Timmy Mallet has praised the "profoundly gorgeous" kindness of people after completing a cycle around the coastline of the island of Ireland. While on the 6,000km cycle of roads, paths and greenways, he discovered a family link to Blacksod Lighthouse in Co Mayo that has deeply affected him. The colourful personality is known for his children's television series in the 80s and 90s and cover of Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. He embarked on a cycle circumnavigation around Great Britain in 2023 to raise awareness of people's potential after the death of his brother Martin, who had Down's Syndrome and died in 2018. He began a cycle along Northern Ireland's and Donegal's coast in March last year, before returning to cycle around the whole island. "This is the completion of my cycle circumnavigation of the island of Ireland," he said at Stormont on Monday. Article continues below "I kicked off in lashing rain in March last year when I aimed to see if I could do a cycle circumnavigation of Northern Ireland." He said he then decided he would add the "forgotten county" of Donegal. "Further north than Northern Ireland, but in the south. I love that nuttiness," he said. "Five hundred and fifty miles after completing Donegal, I thought to myself I'd like to come back and see if I could do the Wild Atlantic Way." He said he put aside two months to do as much of the Wild Atlantic Way as possible, and got as far as Kinsale in Co Cork. "I phoned up Mrs Mallet and she said 'I'm having the bathroom done, so just keep going, I'm not ready to have you home yet, Mallet'." He said it was "an absolute joy" to complete the circumnavigation of the island. He added: "There's something about the kindness and generosity on this island that is really lovely. It's profoundly gorgeous, this welcome that comes across the whole of Ireland. "I am thrilled to say I have got a squillion new friends in Ireland and I love it. It's almost in the DNA of the Irish actually to say 'welcome, come on in, we're your friends'." He said Ireland had "an understanding of differences" and celebrated things that bring people together. He added: "I'm inspired on this journey by my brother Martin (who had) language and learning difficulties. He never let Down's Syndrome define him. He'd say 'You and me, I'm happy.' "That's about being in the moment, celebrating the here and now of living. It reminds me that all we have to do in life is reach our potential. We don't have to be the best in the world, just the best that we can be." He recounted highlights of the trip, including a family connection at a Mayo lighthouse and a person who helped during Wacaday filming 35 years ago. "I went to Blacksod Lighthouse in Co Mayo which has got a family connection for me that I didn't know," he said. "The weather forecast for D-Day was supplied by Maureen Sweeney in June 1944 and my mum was working at supreme headquarters, at the time, on the weather forecasting for D-Day. "And Maureen's grandson Fergus tells the story of how a squeaky-voiced English lady phoned up to check Maureen's reports. That was my mum. "This connection of two women, in a cataclysmic world event, doing their bit for freedom has had a profound impact on me. "I also loved the journey down further south, in Dingle, where I meet Jimmy Flannery who had taken me, 35 years ago during the Wacaday filming, to meet and swim with Fungi the dolphin. "And here he is there still and we shared happy memories of that day of filming 35 years ago in 1990. "On the border between North and the Republic, I came across that lovely conundrum, if you like, where somebody's house is in the UK but their garden is in the Republic. "They were living with it all day every day and enjoying the best of both sides of that wee border." Article continues below He added: "I'm coming back, I love you. Keep 'er lit. This is a gorgeous, gorgeous country." Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly met with Mallet at Stormont on Monday.
Metro
4 days ago
- General
- Metro
London-bound Air India flight 'cancelled last minute over technical issues'
An Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London has been cancelled a week after flight AI171 crashed, killing as many as 270 people. The flight was cancelled today due to 'technical issues', but no update has been given since. CNN News18 reported that the plane had arrived from Delhi and was due to depart for London. Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: Violence against women reaches 'epidemic levels' after alleged attempted rape in cinema MORE: Firefighters called to gas explosion at house in Stoke Newington MORE: 'I have Down's Syndrome and struggle to find work – this London hotel changed that'
Metro
4 days ago
- Metro
Firefighters called to gas explosion at house in Stoke Newington
40 firefighters have been called to a road in Stoke Newington after a suspected gas explosion. A cordon is currently in place on Dumont Road after firefighters were called to the scene just before 5am. Both the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade are investigating the incident while surrounding roads in the area are closed. Station Commander Darren McTernan is at the scene and said: 'Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area for most of this morning while investigations into the cause of this incident are carried out. 'There are road closures in place on Stoke Newington Church Street from the junction of the A10 to Defoe Road. 'Residents should also note that Kersley Road is completely shut at this time.' In April, a driver managed to 'cheat death' after a scaffolding collapsed on Stoke Newington high street trapping him underneath. More Trending The layers of wood and metal came away from the closed public library at around 7.30am on April 16. Eyewitness Ali Alagoz said: 'The scaffold bent over and then slowly tipped and then there was a loud bang. 'I tried to help the man out of the car, I thought he would be crushed but he was okay. 'It was shocking for the few seconds watching it – it felt like minutes. We were both lucky to be alive.' Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: 'I have Down's Syndrome and struggle to find work – this London hotel changed that' MORE: Iconic London street to be pedestrianised 'as quickly as possible' MORE: Map shows how hot it has to get before it is officially a heatwave in the UK
