Shining light for adults and children with learning disabilities
AS AN organisation with an almost 230-year heritage, Norwood knows something about transformation. Over the years, the ways in which it’s worked may have changed, but Norwood’s motivation has always remained the same — to do what it can to help people to change their lives for the better. It is committed to being a lifeline for members of the Norwood family, in good times and in bad.
Norwood champions personcentred care, focused on each individual’s needs and strengths. It is committed to promoting dignity, humanity and respect for every individual it supports, empowering them to live life as independently as possible, whatever their care and support needs.
People like Lara, who now lives an independent life as a Norwood tenant. Lara went to multiple schools in her youth, where she was often bullied due to being autistic and having learning disabilities. After finishing school, she went to college, where she learned social skills and basic life skills, which she found daunting at first, but which she’s been able to further develop and draw on in her daily life. Now living in a Norwood
I know I am capable and I know Norwood will be there for me
home, she’s supported by the staff who know her and her individual needs so well and empower her to pursue her interests.
Lara says: “I’m very capable of doing things for myself. I have office skills and I enjoy being in a Jewish environment. Jewish life is important to me.” Lara frequently volunteers to support Norwood staff in their offices and attends key fundraising events to deliver speeches in which she shares her story and the impact Norwood has had on her life. Lara thrives on taking the stage and has found her voice, thanks to Norwood’s support.
She also regularly participates in delivering workshops to children in Jewish primary schools, where she gives them first-person insight into what it’s like living with learning disabilities, helping to remove the stigma for a new generation of children.
Lara has a rich and varied social life. “I like to go out and see my friends and family. I especially like to go to my favourite clothes shops in Watford and Harrow,” she says, adding: “I always need something nice for special occasions — for friends’ birthdays and I never know when I’ll be invited to a wedding or a bar mitzvah.”
But most of all, she values her independence. Thanks to her Norwood family, Lara is surrounded by good friends and her boyfriend of four years, Jonathan, to whom she hopes to get engaged. Lara says, “My dad is no longer alive, but I feel like I have a family with Norwood. They support me to be able to keep my traditions with my aunt and other family members.”
“I know that I am capable, and I also know that Norwood will be there for me when I need them,” she says.
After more than 200 years serving the community, Norwood continues to have vital role in supporting all members of our community at every stage of their life to live fulfilling lives of their own choosing. Norwood knows it is a lifeline and a shining light for adults and children with learning disabilities and families facing challenges, ensuring that they can access the right support with an appropriate care package to meet their needs. With a lack of funding to meet that true cost, Norwood continues to depend on vital donations to meet the significant funding gap in delivering its essential services each year.
The Norwood family is made up of many individuals, from staff to family members, volunteers, supporters and the wider community. All are united by the same mission — to ensure the people they support are empowered to live the most meaningful lives of their choosing, with dignity and respect.
Norwood supports me to keep my traditions
If you want to make a donation to help Norwood continue to be a lifeline for the people who depend on it, go to norwood.org.uk/donate Registered charity 1059050