MP Bayo Alaba visits Hamelin’s Rochford site to explore bold new approaches to care

Hamelin welcomed MP Bayo Alaba to our Rochford site to showcase how we are delivering bold, forward-thinking solutions for autistic adults and people with learning disabilities.

During the visit the MP for Southend East and Rochford toured Gowlands, our vibrant short stay centre, and Roots & Shoots, our thriving horticultural training project. He also joined senior members of the Hamelin team for an in-depth discussion about the charity’s ambitious vision for the future of care, and met participants on our Ability Works programme, which helps people build skills for employment and independent living.

With demand for care increasing and many people still falling through the gaps, Hamelin is transforming how support is delivered. Hamelin’s strategy aims to reach more people than ever before, particularly those who currently receive no support but urgently need it. Mr Alaba heard how Hamelin is investing in innovative, personalised services that promote choice, independence and meaningful opportunity.

At the end of the visit, Mr Alaba was presented with a basket of fresh fruit and vegetables grown by some of the people we support at Roots & Shoots, showcasing the pride, skill and care that goes into every part of the project.

Ru Watkins, Hamelin Chief Executive, said the visit was a fantastic opportunity to highlight how Hamelin is developing a more flexible and inclusive care model to support more people in the community.

He said: "We are committed to breaking down the barriers that too often prevent people with learning disabilities and autistic adults from accessing the support and opportunities they need, and deserve, to thrive.

"Meeting with political influencers and decision makers like Bayo is vital. It allows us to share the realities of the care sector, highlight what works, and help shape the policies and thinking that will support real, lasting change. We want to be part of the solution to ensure the care system can deliver what is truly needed."

Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford said: “I’d like to thank the team at Hamelin for welcoming me to their site. It was a pleasure to meet the hardworking staff, and to field questions from those supported by the charity. We’re so lucky to have this service on our doorstep, and I look forward to working with them.”