We were thrilled to welcome Clive Lewis MP to The Hamlet Adult Centre!
We were absolutely delighted to welcome Clive Lewis, MP for South Norwich, to The Hamlet Adult Centre on Ella Road for an insightful and engaging visit. The day provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible work we do through our Adult Services while giving our students a platform to share their thoughts on key community issues.
A Warm Welcome & Tour
Clive arrived at 1pm and was warmly greeted by staff and students before embarking on a tour of the Ella Road facilities. During the tour, he had the chance to see first-hand how our services support adults with disabilities, ensuring they have opportunities for growth, independence, and community involvement. The visit was also captured in a series of photos to commemorate the occasion.
A Lively Q&A Session
One of the highlights of the day was a lively and interactive Q&A session. Our students were eager to get to know Clive better, asking fun questions like his favourite pizza topping and nickname. This relaxed and friendly discussion set the tone for deeper conversations about important local issues affecting our service users.
Topics raised included:
- Marion Road Park Accessibility – Joanne Thompson from SENDIASS/Active Norfolk shared insights on potential funding to make the park more inclusive.
- Banking Challenges – Service users highlighted difficulties in accessing bank accounts and financial support tailored to their needs.
- Public Transport Barriers – Concerns were raised about the lack of adapted taxis, limited space on new buses, and the need for improved accessibility in public transport.
A Positive Step Forward
The visit concluded at 2.30pm, with Clive expressing his appreciation for the work being done at The Hamlet and his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by our community. His engagement and willingness to listen left a lasting impression on both staff and students.
We extend a huge thank you to Clive for taking the time to visit, learn more about our services, and engage in meaningful discussions about improving accessibility and opportunities for people with disabilities in Norwich.
We look forward to continuing these conversations and seeing positive changes in the future!
