REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore, fellow ministers and peers swapped Westminster for the football pitch, joining people with a learning disability at a park in London for a powerful show of unity and inclusion to mark Learning Disability Week.
Organised by the learning disability charity Mencap and the UK Parliamentary Football Club, the friendly football match brought together cross-party Parliamentarians and the learning disability community in a shared space.
The MP and Peers won the friendly 5-2 but the most important result was the fun that was had and the connections made on the day.
Vijay Patel, captain of Mencap’s football team and campaigns assistant at Mencap, who has a learning disability, said: “Although we lost the game the most important thing is we had fun out there and everyone was together.
“The politicians were really supportive and really fair, and it was special to play them on this sunny morning during Learning Disability Week.”
Mr Bloore said: “It’s been a really competitive end-to-end game.
“Both goalkeepers had to work really hard.
“I think Learning Disability Week is important because people with a learning disability should feel valued, seen and heard.
“It’s really important to me my constituents who might have a learning disability have the opportunity to access education, get into work and live the fullest lives possible.
“There are still a lot of obstacles so today’s a good week to remind us we can do a lot more.”
This year’s Learning Disability Week theme ‘Do You See Me?’ aims to ensure the 1.5million people with a learning disability in the UK are seen, heard and valued.
The match represented a real way to bring this message to life by connecting Parliamentarians with people with a learning disability, during a week that celebrates their abilities and contributions, whilst raising awareness of issues they face.
Mencap’s football team featured people with a learning disability who work for the charity, other staff and members of Mencap’s Islington Me Time project – a community-led programme supporting people with a learning disability to connect with others, build confidence, and thrive.
The cross-party Parliamentarian team included Justin Madders MP, Gregor Poynton MP, Al Carns and Baron Nick Markham.
Visit mencap.org.uk for more information.
