SNP MSP joins learning disability charity’s 50th birthday party

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has joined L’Arche Highland to celebrate 50 years since the charity was founded.

L’Arche Highland is a community of around 130 people, both with and without learning disabilities, in Inverness. The charity helps people to live more independent lives, including in their shared houses, which Emma Roddick has visited in the past.

She said:

“I am always made to feel so welcome by the whole L’Arche community and it was really special to see folk I’ve met before in my role as their MSP up singing and putting on a show for the 50th celebrations.

“It’s so important to me that everyone in the Highlands has the opportunity to live a happy, fulfilling life. Sadly, too many are still prevented from doing so – and people with learning disabilities are often some of the most highly discriminated against. From assumptions about what they can and can’t do, to actively hurting them, folk too often don’t give them a chance.

“At L’Arche, everyone gets to explore and grow their skills and I loved watching Rory’s video, hearing Laura’s singing, and enjoying a performance by Elsie Normington’s Rainbow Singers.”