Learning disability week: Do you hear me?

20 June 2024

Today’s learning disability week theme is: Do you hear me?

In our society, people with learning disabilities face far more barriers than those who do not. One of those things? Being heard and listened to. Communication can be a significant barrier for the lives of many living with a disability, which can cause stress, anxiety, and low mood.

At The Fifth Trust, our students express themselves in many ways, communicating their thoughts and feelings through words, actions, art and more.

One of the sessions where our students find creative freedom is in music, which many find a strong therapeutic and sensory experience.

We have a well-equipped music room where students listen and sing along to all kinds of music and learn to play instruments.

However, the music room is in need of replacement. There are issues with noise insulation, and the building itself is not fit for purpose. It means our students cannot make the most out of their state-of-the-art equipment.

To help raise the funds we need to rebuild our music room, The Fifth Trust is holding a month-long fundraising effort throughout July inspired by the historic Pilgrims Way. We have planned a series of events to collectively cover the total 222km distance of the pilgrimage.

Our fundraising efforts will kickstart on Friday 5 July where students and staff will cycle from Toddlers Cove to Chartham. Over the following fortnight, we will be holding a range of events, including walks, treasure hunts, and the return of our Team5T Triathlon on Friday 26 July. CEO Nikki Marley will swim 2km, care & operations manager Mike Theoff will cycle 80km, and our chair Suzanne O’Brien will take us to the finish line with a 5km run.

We are looking to raise £4,000 to kickstart the rebuild - and we need your help to reach our goal. Your contribution can transform our music building and the lives of our students with learning disabilities.

Let’s hit the right note. Make a difference and donate to our campaign today: www.justgiving.com/campaign/5Tfundraiser

You can view our fundraising calendar below, or by clicking here.

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