2023-07-25 16:17:05
From retail worker to community champion – the Bedfordshire support worker going the extra mile
Bedfordshire Support Worker, Teresa Mead, has taken on an additional role as a Community Fundraising Champion in a bid to bring the local community together and go the extra mile to support learning disabled adults to live their best life possible.
Teresa, who works for learning disability charity Hft, works as a full-time support worker, supporting learning disabled adults in their everyday lives. She has been with Hft for almost six and a half years, having been in the health and social care sectors for a total of 12 years. Prior to this, she worked in a jewellery shop but wanted a new challenge and thought social care would be a good fit.
In 2022, Teresa began a secondment with Hft’s fundraising team to gain experience working for a different team within Hft. While she enjoyed the new role, she missed the interactions she had from support work so returned to her role earlier this year. This time, however, she also took on an additional role to utilise her recently-gained fundraising experience.
Teresa explains, “The fundraising team are an amazing team but I missed certain aspects of being a support worker so decided to return to this. But, I still wanted to continue with fundraising in some way as I really enjoyed the role, particularly my biggest event celebrating Hft’s 60th birthday in Clifton in Bedfordshire.
“It was actually through the fundraising team that I found out about Hft’s Community Champions, who support fundraising at a local level, and so I took on this role on a voluntary basis to do a bit of everything I enjoy.”
Teresa is passionate about both volunteering and fundraising, and has even participated in fundraising activities herself. She is currently training with her husband, Dave, and friends for a 10 mile walk for Hft which will take place at the start of August.
She says, “I love that the community comes together to help others through fundraising. The best part of volunteering is seeing the faces of the people we support when good things come together, and the happiness that comes from the smallest things.
“I would definitely recommend volunteering if you have some spare time. You can really make a difference whether it’s with a bit of gardening or musically, or just by being a helping hand at an event one evening or weekend. The help is always welcome and the option to be flexible around your own life or job is really helpful.
“Hft is a really lovely charity to work and volunteer for, thriving on wanting the best for the people we support. Who wouldn’t want to lend a hand if possible?”
If you would like to volunteer for Hft, you can find out more on its website.
Notes to editors
For further information please phone 07500 224654 or email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
