The Turning Tides Project based at Crediton station tea rooms recently welcomed a visit from Central Devon MP and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride. The non-profit organisation champions equal access to music and the arts for people with a learning disability or autism but also goes beyond that and looks at the barriers, discrimination and exclusion that those with a disability or autism can face in every day life.
After being treated to a rendition of ‘Turn on the Lights’ – a song written by some of those involved with the project using lyrics taken directly from the Disability Discrimination Act – Mel sat down with Director Jane Williams and Roger Hill. The trio discussed the challenges associated with equal access to transport and employment, access to housing for young adults with and without ‘learning disability’ or ‘autism’ labels who are ready to live independently, and equal access to education and child protection.
Mel said:
“I really enjoyed my visit to Turning Tides, listening to some wonderful music, and speaking to Jane and Roger about some very important issues. Their feedback and ideas, particularly around access to employment, was really useful.”
For more information about Turning Tides please visit www.theturningtidesproject.org.uk
