Visit to Arbroath-based charity to highlight Disability Pride Month

Held every July in the UK, the international initiative celebrates the disability community by highlighting the creativity, resilience, and achievements of people who identify as disabled.

It is also a time to celebrate the diversity in the disability community and to reject the stigma, discrimination, and ableism that prevents equality for everyone.

The Richmond Fellowship is a charity which supports around 2500 people across Scotland with a broad range of needs to live as independently as possible in their own homes and communities.

It is the largest provider of social care services in Scotland, providing personalised, high-quality community-based support services for those who require support in their lives.

The fellowship’s service has been providing support in Angus since 2003, meeting the needs of people with severe and enduring mental health problems and learning disabilities, with experience in supporting people with autism, physical disabilities, and older people with dementia-related illnesses.

Mr Dey said: “Disability Pride is not commonly known, particularly in the UK, but the event works to shine a light on physical, learning, hidden disabilities and mental health conditions.

“The Richmond Fellowship work closely with medical professionals, social workers, Welfare Rights, Citizens Advice, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists to provide a high quality, flexible service for people they support.

“I was particularly pleased to meet with some of the people supported by the organisation to hear first-hand how the Richmond Fellowship is helping people in Angus.”

Wendy Smeaton, Richmond Fellowship area manager, said: “We are proud to celebrate Disability Pride Month.

"The people we support are active and contributing members of their communities and our role is to help them build upon their strengths and abilities.”