Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Hft @hft.org.uk · Aug 14

We’re thrilled that comedy legend Griff Rhys Jones has chosen Hft as one of three charities to benefit from his special gala performance of 'The Cat’s Pyjamas.' 🥳

📅 Friday 10th October, 7.30pm.

📍 Royal Hospital School in Suffolk.

Tickets on sale now 👉 https://loom.ly/whpD2Nk

Hft @hft.org.uk · Aug 8

9 weeks to go... ⌛

Ian's been busy fundraising and training for his Everest Base Camp trek.

Now comes the final sprint to push his fundraising and training goals to the max!

Find out more about why Ian is taking on this challenge, and support him, here: https://loom.ly/I0zmu0k

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jul 10

We believe lived experience must guide reform. Our 2033 strategy places people we support at the centre.

Let’s build a system where young people with SEND can thrive through childhood and into adulthood.

#SEND #SocialCare #SENDReform #LiberalDemocrats #Government

(10/10)

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jul 10

The system should protect transitions

Local authorities must ensure smooth transitions into adult social care. But they need funding, staff, and strong enforcement.

(9/10)

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jul 10

Many young people with SEND live in unregistered children's homes with no oversight. These homes can charge councils £10,000+ per week and risk long-term harm.*

*Children’s Commissioner, Illegal Children’s Homes Report (2025)

(8/10)

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jul 10

What about transition to adulthood?

Young people ‘age out’ of support. Many face disrupted or poor transitions. But these moments define future outcomes.

(7/10)

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jul 10

5. Schools need more funding and training.

So they’re incentivised to accept and support SEND pupils — and staff are confident and capable.

(6/10)

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jul 10

4. Diagnoses and support shouldn’t take years.

Early identification and intervention are vital. Waiting too long can set children back for life.

(5/10)

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jul 10

3. Local authorities must be empowered to deliver.

Proposed reforms include:
✔ A national fund for high-cost needs.
✔ Extending the profits cap to private SEND services.

(4/10)

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jul 10

2. We need more inclusive and specialist provision.

That means:
✔ Expanding state special schools.
✔ Improving inclusion in mainstream schools.

(3/10)

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jul 10

1. Every child should have the right to SEND assessment and support.

Children, families and carers must be at the heart of the reform process. Lived experience must shape the system.

(2/10)

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jul 10

What should SEND reform look like?

The Liberal Democrats have outlined 5 key principles ahead of expected government plans this autumn.

We’ve summarised what they’ve proposed and shared what we think is still missing...

(1/10)

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jul 7

Good luck to all the Choose a Challenge students taking part in fundraising challenges for us this summer!

We really appreciate all the hard work that has gone into preparing for this moment. Everyone here at Hft is rooting for you, and we really appreciate your support. 💜

Have an amazing time!

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jul 2

A day in the life of Colin! 🍎

Colin is thriving with the right support. Help more people like him shine: loom.ly/OL1BgJE

#DoYouSeeMe #DITL #DayInTheLife #SocialCare #LearningDisability

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jul 1

Paul has written to his local MP to share his thoughts on funding and services for learning disabled adults as part of our self-advocacy drive for #DoYouSeeMe.

💡 You can download our letter writing toolkit to help you write to your own MP here: loom.ly/OL1BgJE

#Campaigning #LearningDisability

Paul signs his letter at a table. A quote from him reads: "I would like to see better funding for services and facilities... It's up to the Government to do that."

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jun 23

The ballot results are out for the 2026 TCS London Marathon. 🏅 We’d love for you to join #TeamHft and run for learning disabled adults.

If you’ve missed out on the draw, it isn’t over yet. Sign up for an Hft charity place and make every mile count! 🏃‍♂️

https://loom.ly/BIZrZxI

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jun 19

Do you see me at work? 🧑‍🍳

Catherine, Sam, Carys and Karl are the first of our supported interns to graduate from Caffi Dai!

Follow along with their journey: loom.ly/OL1BgJE

#DoYouSeeMe

#LearningDisabilityWeek2025 #SupportedInternships #SocialCare #WorkExperience #LearningDisability

Catherine in the kitchen next to some scones that are ready to go in the oven. The text on the image reads: "I really enjoy working in Caffi Dai meeting a lot of people, practicing my Welsh and coffee making skills."

Sam is holding a tray. On the tray are two coffees, some teaspoons and napkins. The text on the image reads: "I've attended lots of training sessions and achieved an accredited certificate in customer service with Adult Learning Wales."

Carys is sat behind the till at a computer. The text on the image reads: "I love making coffees on the machine. Lattes and cappuccinos are my favourite."

Karl is drizzling a dressing over a cake in the kitchen. The text on the image reads: "One of my highlights was learning how to bake cherry Bakewell's with Meg, a mentor and the cafe's chef."

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jun 18

Do you see me enjoying my hobby? 🎭

The Drama Llamas group is made up of learning disabled and autistic people.

Every year, they prove that not only can learning disabled people be creative, they can put on sell-out shows too!

Meet the faces of our campaign: https://loom.ly/OL1BgJE

#DoYouSeeMe

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jun 17

Will has written a letter to his MP using our letter template, and he's encouraging other learning disabled people to do the same.

You can download the template here: https://loom.ly/OL1BgJE

And you can read Will's story on the same page!

#LearningDisabilityWeek2025 #DoYouSeeMe #SelfAdvocacy

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jun 16

Do you see me with my friends? 🫶

In the UK, 1 in 2 learning disabled people experience chronic loneliness.

But every week, Luv2MeetU gives people a chance to socialise, try new things and build meaningful friendships.

👉 Find out more about our 'Do you see me?' campaign: https://loom.ly/OL1BgJE

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jun 12

More diverse communities where all voices are heard will benefit from the unique perspectives and ideas that every learning disabled person can bring.

In this video, Toby, Linda, and James share what they love!

We're sharing more stories next week as part of @mencap.org.uk's #DoYouSeeMe campaign.

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jun 11

Learning disabled people are too often excluded or seen as incapable in five key areas of life.

Hobbies
Friendship
Work
Romance
Achievement

A learning disability should never be a barrier to living life to the fullest.

#LDWeek #LearningDisabilityWeek #LDWeek2025 #DoYouSeeMe

A graphic that introduces the five key areas of life that learning disabled people are excluded from or seen as incapable in. Next to each of the words, there's a symbol in blue or pink that illustrates it.

2 3

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jun 10

We’re proud to be part of @mencap.org.uk's #DoYouSeeMe campaign.

Too often, learning disabled people are left out of conversations and not seen for the individuals that they truly are.

We'll share more stories from people we support over the next week.

#LDWeek

1 1

Hft @hft.org.uk · Jun 6

Meet Harin, our latest Work Operations Award winner! 🏆

Harin is a supported intern at NHS Liverpool, where he helps with their disability and inclusion work. His lived experience, passion, and commitment make him a real asset to the team!

Learn more about our internships: https://loom.ly/nNmWXSk

Harin holds up his work operations award trophy. He's sat in his assisted wheelchair in his kitchen.

1

Hft @hft.org.uk · May 13

This Mental Health Awareness Week, the theme is community.

Inclusive social groups and supported internships help learning disabled people become visible and active members of the communities they live in.

This matters now more than ever.

#MHAW #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwarnessWeek #Community

This is a graphic that reads "Community is care and everyone deserves it." Around it are three photos in circular frames. They show people we support taking part in club activities or celebrations.

1