Hft

We’re Hft, a national charity on a mission to create a future where learning disabled people can live their life their way.
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03/06/2026

“Do you see us now?” ‘Most punk rock band in Britain’ takes learning disability story to global audience

We're so excited to share that a documentary about the band - Ultimate Thunder - will premiere at Sheffield DocFest, running from 10 to 15 June. And perfectly timed as we go into Learning Disability Week 2026.

To read the full story and take a sneak peek at the documentary trailer: https://www.hft.org.uk/news/do-you-see-us-now-most-punk-rock-band-in-britain-takes-learning-disability-story-to-global-audience/

02/06/2026

For many people, a holiday with friends is something they barely think twice about. For this group from our Resource Centre in Cornwall, it was a very special first. 💜

Together, they planned a trip to Perran Sands, choosing where to go and what they wanted to do so that everyone had a say from the very beginning.

Over the week there was football, darts, archery, arcade games, evenings of music and dancing, and plenty of meals out filled with laughter and conversation.

For some, it was their first holiday with friends. For others, it was their first time staying in a caravan.

“Mealtimes were another highlight of the trip, with everyone enjoying meals and drinks out together, providing time to socialise and relax,” said support worker Lynsey.

Too often, learning disabled people face barriers to experiences that many of us take for granted. This trip is a reminder that with the right support, everyone can enjoy the same opportunities for friendship, fun and adventure.

29/05/2026

It was a pleasure to welcome Cllr Chris Criscione, Chairman of Uttlesford District Council, to our Herts & Essex Day Service and Garden Centre following HRH The Princess Royal’s recent visit. 🌱

Mina and Joseph proudly helped lead the tour, showing Chris around the sensory room, theatre room and Potting Shed, where he saw an amazing pottery workshop in action. He also got to enjoy some delicious curry from the ‘Lunch for All’ project before ending the visit with tea and cakes at the Potting Shed Café. ☕

Thank you to everyone who helped make the visit such a success!

28/05/2026

The fantasy creatures have arrived… and now it’s time to choose a winner! 👹

Over the past few weeks, people we support across the country have been dreaming up fantasy creatures as part of a competition created by our Student Challenge fundraiser, Joe.

Now we need YOUR help to crown a winner.

To vote:
👀 Browse the designs
💷 Donate a suggested £2 to Joe’s JustGiving page
💬 Leave a message with your donation with the NUMBER of the design you’re voting for

The top entries will go through to a final round, where Joe will bring the winning creature to life as a real special effects makeup look 🤯

The overall winner will also receive a £20 Amazon voucher!

Joe is taking on the Machu Picchu trek for us in August, and every donation helps support both his challenge and the work we do alongside learning disabled adults across the UK. 💜

Which creature has your vote? 👀👇

Vote here: https://f.mtr.cool/jgdowcjffb

22/05/2026

Over 95% of learning disabled people known to social care are out of work, despite 85% saying they'd like a job.

The problem is not with motivation, it's with accessing the support to find and keep a job. Schemes like Access to Work are invaluable when they work. When they're creating a backlog of applications and over £1 million in unpaid invoices, it's once again the people drawing on that support who miss out.

We hope this promise of 500 new staff will help clear the backlog so all disabled people who want to work can draw on the support they need to do so.

21/05/2026

Callum just turned one of his biggest passions into his career!

Callum’s interest in horticulture began while he was still at school. After leaving high school, he continued building his skills through college courses and volunteering.

When he joined our Job Club, our Supported Employment team helped him take the next step — supporting him with applications and interview preparation to become a gardener.

That support led to a working interview with Marian Resort and Spa, where Callum was able to fully showcase his enthusiasm, experience and practical skills. He was offered the role and is now thriving as part of the gardening team!

Starting a new job can feel daunting, which is why support didn’t stop once Callum got the role. His job coach supported him on-site until he felt confident in his position, and they still meet regularly.

“I know that if I’m struggling with anything, I can speak to my job coach,” said Callum. “It’s made everything more manageable.”

Alongside starting work, Callum has also achieved another huge personal milestone: living independently. 🏠

“I’m most proud of my resilience and determination,” he said. “I want to be inspirational to others.”

Callum is building a future where he can continue to grow. His determination along with the right support, environment and opportunities are what have allowed him to not just survive as an adult on his own two feet but to live a life he truly loves.

Congratulations, Callum on your new job! 🌱

18/05/2026

Looking for work can feel overwhelming, but having the right support makes all the difference!

In Flintshire, our Supported Employment team runs a weekly Job Club for learning disabled jobseekers.

The sessions help people build confidence, develop employability skills and get support with things like job searching, applications and interview prep.

But it’s also a chance to meet others on a similar journey, share experiences and grow in confidence together.

Recently, members of the Job Club visited St David’s Hotel in Ewloe for a behind-the-scenes tour, giving them valuable insight into the different roles available there and in the local area.

Experiences like this help people explore new possibilities and feel more confident taking the next step toward employment.

Because everyone who wants to work should have the support they need to show off their full potential.

15/05/2026

We could win £5000 with your help! 💡

Movement for Good are running a limited-time special draw in recognition of all the charities who work to support Health and Wellbeing.

Please nominate Hft so we can continue supporting learning disabled adults to live the best life possible!

The more nominations a charity receives, the greater their chance of winning, so once you’ve nominated, please spread the word.

Thank you! 💜

12/05/2026

A huge well done to Adam, one of our supported interns in Flintshire!

Adam joined the programme in September and is currently working as an Admin Assistant with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

He's settled into the role brilliantly, welcoming guests, managing emails, room bookings, and organising the post and deliveries.

Adam has also taken on additional duties when staff are sick. And his hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s already received two GREAT-ix certificates of appreciation from colleagues. ⭐

Supported internships help learning disabled and autistic young people gain confidence, build workplace skills and discover what they enjoy doing, all with the right support around them.

We’re so proud of Adam and grateful to the teams at BCUHB who have welcomed and supported him along the way.

Everyone who wants to work should have the opportunity to do so, and Adam’s journey is a brilliant example of what can happen when those opportunities are made possible. 💜

Address

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+441179061767

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