Matt Verdonkschot is a longstanding associate of the Listen Up! Team and having talked to his local MP for Honiton, Richard Foord, in parliament, he was inspired to invite Richard for a “Question Time” style event at his home in SeeAbility's Windmill Court. 

The Listen Up! programme was designed by Scott Watkin, SeeAbility’s Head of Engagement. As a person with lived experience of disability, Scott has spent decades campaigning for inclusion, with Scott now mentoring a team of SeeAbility Associates, including Matt.

Together the Associates are influencing attitudes, raising awareness, and changing policy where needed. 

There are many things that can get in the way of disabled people having their voice heard or being considered when local or national decisions are made. 

Matt and Scott spoke about inviting his MP to a local visit, so more people could learn about what happens in parliament, and they were delighted when Richard said yes.

People we're supporting at Windmill Court had thought about a list of questions to ask, and Richard gave an introductions of what an MP does, and how MPs can help at a local level as well as when they are in parliament. 

With many people being wheelchair users or living with sight loss, there was a lot of discussion on how to improve the state of pavements, inconsiderate pavement parking, and access to health services for people with learning disabilities and cuts to social care. 

Matt said:

“Since joining the Listen Up! team I feel more confident, and that my views are important. I know it can make people feel nervous talking to politicians but Richard put us all at ease and was happy to take lots of questions.”

Richard said:

“The visit and the questions put to me demonstrated the challenges that people with different disabilities face every day. It highlighted how excellent care provided by a wonderful team means they can live their lives to the full. 

I knew that SeeAbility is a very old national charity, now 227 years old, but the difference they have made for individuals locally in Honiton was made plain to me on my visit. 

I heard how that support has enabled someone to fulfil a lifetime ambition to visit the United States of America, follow Exeter City Football club at their matches all over the country, or to run their own radio show with thousands of listeners. I look forward to being interviewed for the show very soon!” 

There are many issues I can take forward and help get addressed, both locally in Honiton and through the work I do in parliament.”

As well as learning more about the Listen Up! programme, Registered Manager Helen Amor took Richard on a tour of the home and was able to highlight availability for referrals to SeeAbility’s support. 

Find out more about Windmill Court.