Member of Rotherham’s Speakup Self Advocacy group for people with learning disabilities had fun and raised cash for Comic Relief, with a sponsored ‘Malteser Olympics’ held on red nose day.

Around half of the group’s 50 members took part in the activities, which included a competition to see how many Maltesers a two-person team could throw to each other and catch in their mouths, as well as blow football and a Malteser-and-spoon race! The sweets were chosen because Mars, which makes Maltesers, is one of this year’s Comic Relief sponsors.

Councillor Mahroof Hussain, Cabinet Member for Community Development, Engagement and Young People’s Issues, took part in the event which was held at the group’s premises on Moorgate Road, Rotherham.

Councillor Hussain said: “Speakup Self Advocacy does a really important job in ensuring that people with learning disabilities in Rotherham are able to get their voice heard and take an active part in the community.  It was great to join the fun here today and to be involved in an event which brings people together and helps raise funds for worthy causes.”

Chairperson and founder member of Speakup, Robert Parkin, said: “We always try to get involved in community events within the local area and to help raise funds for charity. This year, our members were keen to do something for Comic Relief, because of all the great causes it supports. “

The Speakup Self Advocacy group works locally and nationally to ensure that people with learning disabilities are able to take control of their own lives by understanding their rights and making informed choices. They have advised a number of public bodies on the best way of presenting written information so that it can be easily understood and also produced a range of their own DVDs explaining legal and financial issues.

Group members play an active role in training sessions for health service staff where they explain how best to communicate with clients with learning disabilities. Speakup also runs courses for their own members on issues such as cultural diversity, money management and how to vote and have make voices heard by council and government decision makers.

One Town, One Community is about creating a feeling of belonging to one community here in Rotherham, where individuals demonstrate unity, mutual understanding and shared values, celebrating our differences and what binds us all together.

For more information on One Town, One Community, visit the website www.rotherham.gov.uk