HAVERING COUNCIL CELEBRATES LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK WITH THE LIBERTY

In support of Learning Disability Week starting Monday 17^th June, The Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford will host a two-day event (Tuesday 18^th and Wednesday 19^th June) with the Havering Community Learning Disability Team.

The event will focus on three key themes, ‘Active, Connected and Included’ to encourage inclusion in public spaces by bringing together individuals with learning difficulties, their carers and those services in Havering providing support.

The shopping centre in conjunction with Havering Council, will be welcoming an assortment of local organisations providing information and guidance to the public, including free health checks from the Learning Disability Nursing team. Groups of local organisations will be taking part in the events planned at the shopping centre including Everyone Active, Fairkytes, Havering Carers Hub and many more.

Event organiser and Senior Practitioner in the Havering Community Learning Disability Team, Susan Purkiss says: “This event offers the community an opportunity to come together and showcase what Havering can provide for individuals with learning difficulties and how people can get involved.”

The Liberty has already taken steps to make the centre more accessible with its Calm Lane, which was introduced last year, designed specifically to make shopping an inclusive experience for customers with disabilities. The lane leads to the autism charity, Sycamore Trust’s Austism Hub. Since it’s introduction the charity has reported a significant increase in footfall, with users complimenting the Calm Lane’s clear direction.

Jonathan Pool, The Liberty Shopping Centre Manager, said: “We’re proud to be involved in this important initiative to encourage inclusivity and would like to invite all our shoppers to join in and connect to celebrate Learning Disability Week.”

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