As part of SCLD Scottish Learning Disability week, members of our advocacy group got together with members of Choir 21, as well as those from the wider learning disability community, to share some exciting news. We announced the relaunch of our advocacy group – previously the Experts Advisors Group, now The HUG Collective.
HUG stands for ‘helping us grow’ and was suggested by one of our members in a meeting, in reference to ‘The Hug’, the wooden structure in our RHS Chelsea Garden. ‘The Hug’ was built to represent the empathy, compassion and kindness of the Down’s Syndrome community.
We will be using these traits, as well as our passion, ambition and strength, to advocate for the Down’s Syndrome Community across Scotland. We are currently meeting in the Central Belt, but are expanding over the coming months, with an aim to make advocacy accessible to our members all over Scotland and to eventually have a group of advocates linked to each DSS branch.
Our next meetings will focus on the upcoming Scottish elections and see members putting together a letter to be shared with each party to share the needs and concerns of the Down’s Syndrome community.
If you would like to contribute any ideas or have any questions about our advocacy project, please email andy.auld@dsscotland.org.uk.