3rd December 2018 • My Family Our Needs
Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the theme this year is empowering those with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality. People up and down the country are marking the day in different ways but the young people who are part of Leonard Cheshire’s Can Do volunteering group are heading to shelters across the UK to support the homeless population.
They will bear gifts that will make a difference this winter and discover what it really means to be homeless in the modern world.
The young people, all aged 16 to 35 and from the charity Leonard Cheshire’s Can Do volunteering group will visit shelters across the UK, giving away gift bags, for the first week of the month to tie in with International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December.
Each young person is volunteering by packing these ‘Care & Share’ gift bags with vital items such as socks, deodorant, toiletries and decorated cards that read: ‘someone is thinking of you.’
Caitlin, aged 20 and from London, took part in the scheme last year. She has a learning disability.
She said, ‘I found the Brixton Soup Kitchen really interesting. I found it difficult at first to talk to people because I am a bit shy and not a talkative person. However, I found it was a bit easier after a couple of sessions. I really enjoyed today because I was talking to new people.
‘I got the chance to meet Judith Heumann, a Disability Rights Activist and Leonard Cheshire’s Global Ambassador. I also had the chance to do a disability awareness activity which made us think about different disabilities. I feel more confident about the future.’
The volunteers this year have also visited homeless charities and shelters ahead of December to get to grips with the realities that the homeless population face in today’s world.
Michelle Impanni, Senior Programme Coordinator at Leonard Cheshire said, ‘The young people involved pack up the Care & Share bags themselves and, by seeing the items needed, learn what it means to be homeless. They’re gaining insight into a world they may not previously have been aware of.
‘I’ve seen first-hand that being involved in this project also massively boosts the volunteers’ confidence and skillset. It is also encouraging them to get out and use public transport and reduces the chance of social isolation for young disabled people.’
This is the third year that Leonard Cheshire’s Can Do volunteers have supported the homeless. In total, hundreds of volunteers across 24 different locations in the UK will give up their time and efforts this December.