Latest news with #LearningDisabilityWeek
South Wales Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Music in Hospitals & Care helping Carmarthen Breakthro'
Music in Hospitals & Care is marking Learning Disability Week by celebrating its ongoing work at Carmarthen Breakthro', a centre for children with physical and learning disabilities. Since 2023, the UK-based charity has been delivering inclusive live music sessions at the centre, supporting children aged four to 18. Emyr Baynon, coordinator at Carmarthen Breakthro', said: "The live music offers the children an opportunity to get involved and have lots of fun. "Chris and Holly really do appreciate the needs of the children… even if someone prefers to just sit and listen, they respect that." Musicians Chris Knibbs and Holly Robinson tailor each session to the children's needs and energy levels, making the experience both engaging and accessible. Mr Knibbs, a retired primary school teacher, said: "For a young group like this, we increase the speed of the music. "They've got loads of energy and they want to use it." The sessions are often the children's first experience of live music in a care setting. Chloe Baker, live music coordinator for Music in Hospitals & Care in Wales, said: "The beautiful connection between the children and the staff—trust, laughter, shared moments—is enhanced through live music. "Whether the children dance, clap, or simply soak it all in, music helps create a shared space where everyone feels valued." Music in Hospitals & Care is a UK charity dedicated to improving health and wellbeing through live music.
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:
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Vogue's first ever Down Syndrome model becomes face of huge UK charity campaign
Ellie Goldstein made history as the first person with Down Syndrome to grace the cover of Vogue, and now she's taking her modelling career to a whole new place in aid of Learning Disability Week Ellie Goldstein is busting myths and helping to represent a community of disabled people as she kicks down yet another door, modelling for this charity shop's latest campaign. Mencap has made the 23-year-old the latest face of their campaign for Learning Disability Week, which will showcase her face in retail stores across England. Her career in fashion was firmly established when she became the first ever person with Down Syndrome to appear on the cover of Vogue but is swapping out the luxury life for a more sustainable fashion approach. Having previously modelled for the likes of Nike and Gucci, she will now help to promote second-hand style with her face popping up in around 32 retail stores this week onwards. Ellie shared: 'I love how the photos have turned out; I look so cool in all the lovely outfits! It's really exciting to see myself in the shop windows. It means a lot to me to be part of Learning Disability Week and to show what people with learning disabilities can achieve – follow your dreams!' A series of fashion-forward photos will be up in high street Mencap stores, showcasing Ellie as she models a selection of colourful fits found in the charity shop. Through this photoshoot, they hope to encourage shoppers to delve into their pre-loved clothes, at bargain prices, and help to donate money to a good cause. The cause, in this case, is not only helping those who benefit from the charity's incredible work but also promoting Learning Disability Week – an annual celebration of people with a learning disability, as well as their families and carers. Across the UK, there are around 1.5 million people living with a learning disability, and Ellie is just one of them hoping to bust some myths. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! Mencap exists to help make the UK the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. They do this by supporting those with disabilities, along with their families and carers, while working to change laws, increase representation, and help to create employment opportunities that may not already exist for people with disabilities. Chief executive of Mencap, Jon Sparkes, says: 'Learning Disability Week is an opportunity for us all to celebrate the 1.5 million people across the UK with a learning disability and what they bring to our communities and society. "This Learning Disability Week we're thrilled to launch our Myth Buster Ellie as the face of our Mencap shops. Representation matters – and these pictures go to the heart of the work we do at Mencap every day to ensure people with a learning disability are seen for who they are, not for their disability." Aside from the campaign, there are ways that you yourself can get stuck into helping raise awareness this Learning Disability Week. This includes volunteering at Mencap, donating to charities and campaigning to make a stand. There is still so much stigma and discrimination that those with learning disabilities face every day, and educating yourself or campaigning for those that need it could make all the difference. To learn more, you can visit
Metro
3 days ago
- Business
- Metro
'I have Down's Syndrome and struggle to find work - this hotel changed that'
Hilton Hotel has launched a pop-up tearoom where customers at the five-star Waldorf Hotel will be served by staff who have learning disabilities. The special event was hosted as part of Learning Disability Week with special educational needs (SEN) staff at the historic hotel. Yesterday, guests were served a menu of freshly cut sandwiches and warm scones by servers like Sam Innes, who has Down's Syndrome. Sam told Metro: '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.' After studying business and retail at college, Camden-born Sam found a love for hospitality. He joined the hotel with the support of the Down's Syndrome Association Workfit programme, where his skill set and aspirations were matched. Having worked one day a week, San, who lives in Chalk Farm, now has a permanent food and beverage assistant role following outstanding feedback from guests and colleagues. The hotel chain wants to demonstrate support for members of the SEN community and highlight a representation gap within the industry. From placements and interviews to the launch of the Flying Fox food truck, Hilton's involvement has helped bring the vision of the specialist college Aurora Foxes to life. This week is Learning Disability Week. The national campaign takes place in the third week of June every year. Organised by the charity Mencap, the week is used by campaigners to raise awareness about learning disabilities and what the some 1.5million people with learning disabilities bring to society. This year's theme is, 'Do you see me?', which Mencap says is 'about making sure that people with a learning disability are are seen, heard, included, and valued in all aspects of life'. Online and in-person talks, festivals, exhibitions, school workshops, meet-ups and more will be held across the UK. There are many ways to participate in Learning Disability Week 2025 and to find out more visit: Learning Disability Week 2025 | Global Awareness Days Events Calendar 2025 Share stories: Use social media to amplify the voices and experiences of people with learning disabilities. Support charities: Donate to or volunteer with organisations dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities. Educate yourself and others: Take the time to learn more about learning disabilities and share resources within your network. Mark Costello, principal at Aurora Foxes, said: 'When people with learning disabilities see others like themselves thriving in customer-facing roles, it inspires confidence and ambition. 'By providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities, Hilton is transforming lives, challenging perceptions, and breaking down barriers in the wider community. Our work together is about creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.' Hilton interviewed 500 people with learning disabilities and their carers, and found that 79% said businesses need to do more to demonstrate they have staff with learning disabilities. It also said 74% said seeing more people like themselves in customer-facing roles would give them the confidence to apply for a job themselves. Of those in work, just 16% say they have a role model with a similar disability to look up to and learn from. More Trending Learning Disability Week runs until Friday (June 20). The Waldorf, London, opened in 1908 with a vision to follow the American tradition of offering not just rooms but a place for passers-by to stop for dinner, afternoon tea or a drink. It opened with 400 bedrooms, 176 bathrooms and a range of innovative features – a telephone and electric lights that could be switched off at the bedside in all rooms, three lifts and central heating In 2015, it received a further £13.5million refurbishment. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. 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 MORE: Man who killed schoolboy, 14, with samurai sword 're-enacted attack in hospital'
