Forward by our Patron

I have supported the work of Longfields since my schooldays in Swansea and was delighted when, in 2000, I was invited to become Patron of the Association.

What kind of life would we like for a family member with learning or physical disabilities, or both? How would we want them to be treated? What life choices and options would we like them to have? How could we include them in community life, and what future would we want for them?

At Longfields we strive to provide answers to these issues for people with a complex range of learning and physical disabilities by providing life and independence skills, leisure and recreational facilities, decision making skills and work related opportunities where possible. In addition, everyone is encouraged to have full participation in the planning and delivery of services.

We also offer support through difficult times, such as bereavement, or moving into residential care when it is no longer possible to live at home.

It is our aim to be innovative and proactive in providing a diverse range of services to meet the individual needs of our ageing disabled service users, as well as providing opportunities that meet the aspirations of our young disabled people.

I see that behind the disability is a unique individual. This must be a priority for carers and the wider community if we are to offer the very best opportunities for people who face really tough challenges. By working together we can.

Catherine Zeta Jones
Patron

In August 2005 our Patron, Catherine Zeta Jones, accompanied by her husband, Michael Douglas, visited Longfields to officially open our new hydrotherapy pool. Catherine and Michael spent over two hours talking to staff and services users and having photographs taken with families. It was a wonderful day for everyone.