Local charity has helped people with learning disabilities for 25 years

Cwm Taf People First is celebrating 25 years of work to support people with learning disabilities! As part of their anniversary celebrations, they kindly ask for donations to continue their invaluable work in our communities. 

Based at the Arts Factory in Ferndale, the organisation has 120 hard-working members who aim to promote the voices of people with learning disabilities. Among the charity’s goals are promoting the rights of people with learning disabilities, ensuring services they use reflect their needs, and raising awareness about disabilities.

Challenging prejudices is another vital aspect of their work. The ‘Be My Voice’ campaign was set up to encourage people to report hate crimes, helping people with learning disabilities feel safe living in their communities.

Cwm Taf People First’s members lead and volunteer within the organisation, providing various educational, health and community-based activities.

Now celebrating its 25^th anniversary, the charity would be grateful for any contributions to help with its everyday running costs. This will help the organisation’s work continue to provide for the next 25 years. Find out more details about Cwm Taf People First’s appeal here.

Council partnership with Cwm Taf People First

The Council shares the goals of Cwm Taf People First. It is proud to have partnered the organisation over many years, working on many community activities.

The charity’s ‘My Day, My Way’ initiative listens to the voices of people with learning disabilities in person and in online events. The Council was permitted to use the brand for its extensive engagement on day services.

Held in autumn 2021, the engagement featured charity members introducing each week’s theme in videos posted to the Council’s website. The feedback received was then announced at People First’s 2022 conference and will be reported to Cabinet in due course, along with the draft ‘My Day, My Way’ strategy.

The Council has also worked with Cwm Taf People First to advertise for two paid co-chairs for the Learning Disabilities Transformation Partnership Board. The process sought people with lived experience, and the charity supported the interviewing process, appointing the roles, and training.

There is also an agreement between the Council and Cwm Taf People First for the charity to provide advocacy and ‘voice, choice and control’ for people with learning disabilities.

Councillor Gareth Caple, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “My congratulations go to Cwm Taf People First on their anniversary, celebrating 25 years of ensuring the voices of people with learning disabilities are heard. The charity provides invaluable opportunities for its members to participate fully in community life.

“In sharing Cwm Taf People First’s views and goals, the Council has proudly partnered with the charity in many activities. This included the ‘My Day, My Way’ exercise, which gave Council day service users, and the public, the opportunity to have their say on local services. The charity’s expertise enabled us to reach more people and better understand the services that matter to local people.

“The charity has started a fundraising effort in its anniversary year to help ensure its important work can continue. I wish Cwm Taf People First and all its members the best of luck with their appeal.”