People across United Response, past and present, have been united by our vision that disabled people should have equal access to the same rights and opportunities as non-disabled people

As we look back over the past 50 years since our first service opened, we can celebrate some amazing achievements. We’ve supported people to live more independently, rebuild connections with family and engage with their local community, sometimes for the first time. People we support have spoken in parliament, found employment, performed for the Royal Family, exhibited in art galleries and raised money for causes they care about.

As we move forward into the next 50 years we carry with us a fantastic heritage. A genuine track record in making person-centred support real for people, enabling people to achieve their real potential, helping people speak out and live their lives to the full. I feel real pride in being part of this organisation.

Of course, there have been some challenges over these 50 years. Enabling people to make the transition from the old institutional provision to new community settings, challenging perceptions of what disabled people can achieve, pushing the boundaries so people are supported to learn, to be able to work, to have loving relationships. We have come through an unprecedented pandemic and the social care sector in particular is still feeling the effects of this. What has carried United Response through all of this is an unshakable belief in the potential of people and a determination to realise our mission of making sure that the people we support have the opportunity to live their lives to the full.

Over the next 50 years I want United Response to be in the forefront of ensuring that disabled people are full, active and valued members of the communities in which they live contributing their own skills, talents and passions to the lives of others. I know that all of our staff and supporters will play a critical role in making this possible.

Whenever I am out and about meeting people across the organisation I come away inspired, energised and delighted to be a part of it. As we stand on the cusp of the next 50 years, let us celebrate the huge achievements of all involved with United Response over the past and here today. My heartfelt thanks to all our supporters for enabling disabled people to live bigger, better lives.

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