Two Shadow Ministers praise centres for Jewish adults with learning difficulties

Two of Labour’s shadow ministers have spent time learning about social care services provided by the Jewish community for people with learning disabilities.

In visits organised by the Jewish Leadership Council and the London Jewish Forum, Karin Smyth MP, shadow minister for social care, and Vicky Foxcroft MP, shadow minister for disabled people toured Langdon and Kisharon facilities.

The two shadow ministers visited Langdon’s New Chapters and Wohl Employability Hub, the Kisharon Bike Shop, Kisharon’s latest supported living scheme for women and the Kisharon Noé School, the Kisharon Wohl Campus, a Loftus Learning Centre.

Vicky Foxcroft said: “I was honoured to spend time with staff at Langdon and Kisharon, observing the fantastic work they are doing. Organisations like these enable disabled people in their communities to fully participate in society with excellent education, independent living and training opportunities. They are an inspiration.”

When Karin Smyth asked students with special educational needs what policy changes they would like to see, Salome, a 14-year-old pupil at the Kisharon Noé School, said she wanted health food choices made more available to everyone in the UK.

Richard Franklin, chief executive of Kisharon commented: “Those present agreed with the shadow ministers how important it was for all MPs to see more grassroots services, to further their understanding of the real and present challenges facing people with learning disabilities and their families.”

His counterpart at Langdon, Neil Taylor, said: “We were so appreciative that Vicky and Karin took the time to visit Langdon this morning. Their extensive understanding and knowledge of the challenges facing social care organisations is extremely encouraging for the sector.”