News Release, 17 August 2005
On Monday 12 September, the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities will be holding a conference for people with learning disabilities and their supporters, about the importance of spirituality. The conference comes in response to findings that friendships, relationships, creativity, the countryside, and faith communities, give people with learning disabilities meaning to their lives.
However, the report - Why are we here? Meeting the spiritual needs of people with learning disabilities - reveals that policy and management priorities often neglect the significance of spirituality from services for people with learning disabilities. Author of the report, Professor John Swinton will be participating at Friendships, Sharing and What is Important to You? There will be art, friendship, story telling and faith workshops for delegates.
Hazel Morgan, Co-Director for the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities says:
“The spiritual and religious needs of people with learning disabilities are often overlooked by services and faith communities, despite religion expression being a human right. This conference will enable people with learning disabilities and their supporters to explore together what is important in their lives, to share ideas about meeting their spiritual needs whether for friendships, creativity, a quiet space or for membership of a faith community.”
Friendships, Sharing and What is Important to You? will be held in London. Places are still available.
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Note to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
The Foundation promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families. We do this by working with people with learning disabilities, their families and those who support them to:
- Do research and develop projects that promote social inclusion and citizenship
- Support local communities and services to include people with learning disabilities
- Make practical improvements in services for people with learning disabilities
- Spread knowledge and information.