Ruth is a media star

Ruth, who has been supported by Affinity Trust at her Leicestershire home since 2016, has become the charity’s latest media spokesperson.

In September, she was interviewed twice by the BBC – first on Radio Leicester and then on East Midlands Today, who filmed her at home in the village of Glen Parva.

Ruth talked about her role as design adviser to Affinity Trust’s new housing development for people with learning disabilities, being built north of Leicester.

In this role, Ruth took part in a number of meetings, and the architects visited her at home to discuss what she likes about the design there, and what she would have done differently.

As a result, the designers of the new scheme have taken on board Ruth’s suggestions about storage, lighting, smart technology and more.

Amazing

Ruth’s personal experience of 10 years living in restrictive hospital accommodation played an important part in this process.

The new housing is specially designed for people with complex needs who are moving out of similar settings, as part of NHS England’s Transforming Care programme.

Speaking to Radio Leicester about the new scheme, Ruth said: “I went to see it all, it looks amazing”. Asked about her own home, she added: “And you know what? I’m so happy and I love it here. I’ve got good staff, a good team, I’m happy.”

Also interviewed on East Midlands Today was Richard Tellam-Clark, Affinity Trust’s Director of Specialist Support. Speaking of Ruth’s design adviser role, he said: “We’ve considered her an expert by experience. It’s been really useful to understand the needs of people who are moving on from hospital into their own home in the community.”

Ruth added: “So I think they’ll love it. They’ll really love it.”