Welcome to The Wilf Ward Family Trust News and Blogs page!

Join us on an exciting journey as we share heart-warming stories, valuable insights, and updates about the Trust’s meaningful work. At the core of our mission is enhancing the lives of individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and other complex needs, driven by collaboration, compassion, and understanding.

Stay informed about our latest news, celebrate the achievements of the incredible individuals we support, and gain insights into the impactful contributions of our dedicated team members.

Together, let’s inspire, connect, and make a positive difference.

Blog by Rachel Greer: On Route to Extraordinary - A Journey with Mind The Gap Theatre company
Three people seated and standing together in a circular photo, with one person in the centre and two others on either side, against an indoor background with pink graphic accents around the image.
What Should never be lost? In our latest leadership blog, Paul McCay reflects on humanity, dignity, relationships and the importance of protecting the things that help people feel truly valued and connected.
Image shows two people standing indoors, posing with flexed arms beside a wooden counter, shown in a circular photo with a light blue border.
Who Gets To Shape The Future? When conversations happen about the future of support, inclusion or community, an important question is often overlooked: Who gets to shape those conversations?Too often, systems are still designed around people rather than with them.
People gathered around tables in a community setting, participating in a discussion or activity, with one person using a wheelchair.
Rooted In Yorkshire - Shaped by people.For 40 years, The Wilf Ward Family Trust has been shaped by people, relationships and communities across Yorkshire. And while social care has changed significantly over the past four decades, one thing has remained constant: the importance of people.
Image shows a close-up of a white rose of Yorkshire flag.
The Small Moments We Remember.When people look back on meaningful moments in life, it is often not the biggest occasions they remember first. It is the ordinary moments. Because they remind us what it feels like to feel connected, valued and part of something.
Image shows two people stood by the railings overlooking a beach, looking out to sea. They are both dressed in warm coats and there is a walker next to one of them.
William Bradley Day - read the latest blog by Denis Chadwick on his day out in Market Weighton on ‘Giant Bradley Day’.William Bradley was born in Market Weighton in North Yorkshire in around the 1800's or so. As a child he started to have an incredible growth spurt. By the time he grew up, he stood at a height of 7ft 9 inches tall and he weighed 27 stone.
Denis is sat in his wheelchair throwing his arms outwards, he is smiling. Behind him is the wooden statue of William Bradley, with a banner that reads ‘Giant Bradley Day’.
Blog by Rachel Greer: On Route to Extraordinary -A Journey with Mind the Gap Theatre Company The right support at the right time can be transformative. When daily life depends on it, the quality of support shapes the quality of life. Click here to read more
Person holding a speech-bubble-shaped sign that reads, “Sometimes I need help and sometimes I don’t!” against a plain indoor background.
Blog by Rachel Greer: On Route to Extraordinary -A Journey with Mind the Gap Theatre Company The freedom to 'choose what we want to do' and 'how we want to live' is a fundamental right. It shapes our identity, supports our wellbeing and gives our lives meaning. For many, that freedom can be limited by circumstance. For adults with learning disabilities, it can all too often feel defined by 'compromise.' Click here to read more
Two people seated together indoors, with a window and wooden furnishings visible in the background. They embrace and look joyful.
What Does Belonging Feel Like?For many people with learning disabilities, it is something that has too often been limited by barriers, assumptions or environments that unintentionally separate people from their communities. At The Wilf Ward Family Trust, we believe belonging should never be viewed as an extra to support. Click here to read more.
Two people outdoors in front of a rocky waterfall feature, with one seated and one standing beside them.

 

Blog by Rachel Greer: On Route to Extraordinary -A Journey with Mind the Gap Theatre Company Community is at the heart of citizenship. It fosters belonging, participation and recognition, all of which are essential to our wellbeing. And where better to begin a conversation about community than seated in a circle, with full wide-eyed attention on each other. Click here to read more.
Two people at a table with paper and pens doing some crafts. They are looking down and absorbed in what they are doing.
Blog by Martin McGuigan - Citizenship is Not an Extra toSupport For a long time, social care has often been measured by safety, routine and the ability to meet basic needs. And while those things matter deeply, they should never be where the conversation ends. Because a good life is about more than simply being safe. Click here to read more.
Outdoor profile photo of a person in a dark jacket with a grassy hillside blurred in the background.
Blog by Fliss Simpkin - Beyond Words: The Invisible Language of Connection Communication happens every single day—usually without us even realising it. We use it to share ideas, send messages, and express emotions. But when communication is only recognised in traditional ways, the individuals we support can be misunderstood, overlooked, or spoken for instead of listened to.
Person seated at a table using a smartphone beside a laptop, with plants and workspace items visible in the background.
WHAT DOES AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE LOOK LIKE?Extraordinary lives aren't built through systems alone. They're built through possibility, belonging, relationships and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to build a life that feels meaningful to them. Click here to read more.
Three people outdoors on a pathway, including two wheelchair users and one standing person, with trees and a building in the background.

 

On Route to ExtraordinaryA journey into what "home" really means What does home feel like? Through laughter, music, shared moments and honest conversations, this powerful blog explores belonging, independence, and the right to choose how we live. Click here to read more.
Person standing indoors wearing a matching light-purple outfit, with part of another person visible beside them.

 

On Route to ExtraordinaryA Journey with Mind the Gap Theatre Company Sixteen people. One powerful journey. Exploring the seven keys to citizenship and what an extraordinary life really looks like. See how the journey began Click here to read more.
A group of people are kneeling on the floor around a large sheet of paper, drawing or writing on it together during a group activity indoors.

 

A statement from Paul McCay, Chief Executive Officer at The WilfWard Family Trust. Today we are sharing a statement from our Chief Executive, Paul McCay, following the closure of Sherburn House. Click here to read more.
Person standing outdoors wearing a dark jumper and name badge, with an open grassy field and blue sky in the background.
New blog by Rachel Greer on Tech Timeout Tuesday: a reminder ofthe importance of taking a break from screens, and taking walks in nature - especially at this time of year This new blog by Rachel Greer, Co-Production Assistant, explores the significant difference a walk in nature can make to wellbeing and mental health. This is especially important at a time of year where most of us are going to work in the dark, and returning home at the end of the day in the dark. Click here to read more.
Woodland scene with tall trees in autumn colours and a forest floor covered in orange and yellow fallen leaves.
Jake's Incredible Achievement at the European Down SyndromeSwimming Championships Jake's BIG Dream was to compete in the European Down Syndrome Swimming Championships. This year, The Wilf Ward Family Trust was able to support Jake to make that dream come true. Read on to find out how, and hear all about Jake's accomplishment! Click here to read more.
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New Blog from Louise, Our Strategic Lead for Co-Production andInvolvement In this blog Louise reflects on her recent visit to Austria and her experience at a museum dedicated to Aktion T4 - a dark chapter in history that targeted people with disabilities. Louise's reflections are powerful and thought-provoking, reminding us why inclusion, respect, and the value of every individual are at the very heart of what we do at The Wilf Ward Family Trust. Please be aware that the content of this blog is extremely sensitive and may be distressing to some readers. Click here to read more.
Large light-coloured building with a red-tiled roof and corner tower, viewed from a grassy area under a cloudy sky.
Denis's Day out At the Allied Mobility North East Mobility DayOur leading Wilf Ward Family Trust blogger, Denis, discusses advancements in wheelchair technology and the progress made in this field after attending a Mobility Fair in Shildon. In celebration of UK Disability Month, we encourage you to read this insightful article on how technological innovations are helping to create a more inclusive society. Click here to read more.
Person seated at a table in a kitchen, wearing glasses and a knit jumper, with kitchen cabinets and countertops visible in the background.
Co-Production: More than a buzzwordIt's National Inclusion Week, as we are celebrating all the ways we proudly display inclusion at The Wilf Ward Family Trust - not just as a buzzword, but as an everyday value that is woven into the way we work. Have a read of the latest blog post by Rachel Greer, Co-Production Assistant, on the ways we work with individuals we support to make sure they are included in every decision we make. Click here to read more.
Two people seated at a table reviewing paperwork and documents together in an indoor setting.
Wilf's Dream Makers Take on Tough Mudder for The Wilf WardFamily Trust Last weekend, a determined team of supporters took on one of the UK's toughest challenges - Tough Mudder - all in support of The Wilf Ward Family Trust. Under the team name Wilf's Dream Makers, these everyday heroes tackled mud, obstacles, electric shocks, ice baths, and endless hills to raise vital funds for our work Read on to hear all about this incredible challenge! Click here to read more.
Person wearing sunglasses and a backpack walking outdoors, giving a thumbs-up on a tree-lined path.
True Grit Wrestling review from our Sports Correspondent DenisChadwick Read Denis's latest blog on the very exciting True Grit Wrestling match he attended at the start of June with his friend, Joe. They were supported by Fiona and Sam, who had never been to a wrestling match beforel Click here to read more.
Two people seated together indoors near a staircase, with one person in a wheelchair holding a drinks can and giving a thumbs-up.
Update from the recent Jigsaw meeting: Jigsaw Discuss a LifeWith Purpose At the latest Jigsaw meeting, reps discussed what a 'life with purpose' meant to them. A life with purpose means something different to each individual, and is key to our wellbeing and happiness. Read this insightful blog, and ponder what your life's purpose is! Click here to read more.
Person standing beside a presentation screen displaying a slide in an indoor meeting or training room.
A Perfect Collaboration: Merging the Trust Voice with our EDIChampions We are on a mission to embed the FREDIE principals into our culture throughout the organisation, and we will strive to bring these values into communities, and our daily lives. So, in a bold step forward, we have merged both the Trust Voice (formerly Staff Consultative Group) and EDI Champions into one group. Read on to find out why. Click here to read more.
Indoor group scene showing several people seated around tables in a meeting room
Unite for Access: Denis Chadwick interviews Adam Hinshelwood -Manager of YCFC Our Sports correspondent Denis Chadwick knows his stuff when it comes to sport - and especially football. As a York City fan, he was extremely keen to interview Adam Hinshelwood - the Club Manager. Click here to read more.
Two people indoors giving thumbs-up gestures, with several other people visible in the background.
Dream BIG with JigsawHere at The Wilf Ward Family Trust, we make sure that the big dreams of adults with learning disabilities are embedded in their support plans. And now our Jigsaw Reps are shining their light on a route for change. Click here to read more.
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