We know only too well the essential role that organisations such as Langdon play in the lives of Members and their families and the challenges of working against the low expectations that society has of people with learning disabilities and those with autistic spectrum disorders.
We aspire to provide a ‘greenhouse’ for our Members, in which we can nurture them to believe they can grow and develop, rather than maintaining a ‘warehouse’ in which it is too easy to see care as a need in itself rather than a means to much more positive outcomes.
The heart of our work is empowering and enabling people with learning disabilities and autism to enjoy meaningful and fulfilling lives, all within a Jewish ethos – this is something we call Livingness. Our goal is to ensure the Members we support can thrive and have equal opportunities to live the best lives they choose. Langdon owns and manages flats and shared houses in the heart of London and Manchester’s Jewish communities where we provide support to our Members so that they can live an independent life. Our employment and social enterprise programmes help those we support to develop their professional skills and experience the satisfaction that comes from a good day’s work. Both our social activities programme for older Members and Langdon Brady Club for 9-25+-year-olds are a vital part of our Members’ lives, helping them develop their independence, grow in confidence, and form lasting friendships in warm, inclusive and safe environments.
The situation we found ourselves in due to Covid was hugely challenging for all of us and sometimes even more so for those with learning disabilities. Lockdown had a huge impact on our Members, and our support staff were on the frontline working tirelessly to keep Members positive and active in their homes. For people with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders, it was a constant challenge to make sense of the way their lives had been turned upside down as a result of a lockdown.
Langdon is here to help the Members we support reconnect with their friends and community and to talk about any issues they may still have following the end of all restrictions. With the support of our fantastic community, we will continue to provide that support long into the future.
The aim of Learning Disability Week, organised by charity MenCap, is to raise awareness of what it is like to live with a learning disability, to help remove stigma and discrimination and educate more people about learning disabilities.
Here are some of our Member’s stories:
I first found out about Langdon in 2015 while I was living at home in Glasgow with my mum and dad. I came to Manchester for a day visit and then the following year I came to try a stay for a week. I finally got to move in for good in 2017. Recent years have been full of ups and downs, but it’s been a great decision to move to Langdon into supported living. Langdon has helped me with my confidence. I have learned to do things such as cooking and shopping. Also, while being at Langdon, I have been able to do some work experience within a school, in an office covering reception duties and general office work, and within Langdon New Chapters as well. This has kept me busy and made me feel worthwhile. I have made some long-lasting friendships. My Livingness at Langdon is allowing me to live as independently as possible and I am supported to enjoy my culture and embrace my Judaism.