Did you know there was such a thing as an International Firefighters Day?
Well we didn't, until the staff and people we support in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, found out.
Looking out, not in
One of the key principles of our Everyone Everywhere philosophy is to answer the question "How can we all meet people near where we live to make things better for everyone?"
That means exploring local neighbourhoods to find out what's going on, and making connections.
How can we help?
Another key principle is encouraging a shift in people's thinking. Too often, people with disabilities are seen as passive recipients of other people's help. But of course we all have gifts, skills and passions, something of ourselves to share with the world.
So we ask ourselves and others "How can we help?"
For the team in Stoke Mandeville, this meant exploring the local neighbourhood to find out what was on our doorstep, and what the three men who live at the property are interested in.
Visiting the fire station
Our plans all came together when people wanted to find out more about how the local fire service and we discovered it was Firefighters Day, which honours the work brave firefighters do around the world.
So we thought "well who doesn't like cake!?" and decided to pay a visit to our local fire station, and thank the firefighters for everything they do, by taking them cake.
Our gifts were very well received! The firefighters were so hospitable, and showed us around the station, explaining what they do and showing us the fire engines and other machinery they use when they're on duty.
It was a lovely day for everyone as we got to know each other. It was another step along the road for people at Stoke Mandeville as they become familiar faces in their local community and realise the differences they can make, whether big or small.
You can read more of our Everyone Everywhere stories from around the organisation here.
