About Us

Who We Are

Hft is a national charity that supports nearly 2,800 learning disabled adults across England and Wales to live the best life possible. Founded in 1962 by a group of pioneering families, we have always believed in the right of every learning disabled person to live with independence, choice and dignity.

We provide a broad range of services, including supported living, residential care, day opportunities and community-based support. Our approach is grounded in the social model of disability, recognising that it is barriers in society, not individual impairments, that often limit opportunity and inclusion. We work alongside people to deliver support that is tailored to their individual needs, ambitions and circumstances.

Hft is a values-led organisation committed to high-quality, person-centred care. Our work is shaped by our belief in kindness, inclusivity, positivity and courage.

Our Journey So Far

Like many organisations, we have faced significant challenges in recent years. In 2022, Hft was operating at a £16 million deficit and faced growing workforce instability. Urgent action led to a major turnaround programme. Since then, our financial performance has improved markedly, we have reduced reliance on temporary staffing, and our operational grip has improved significantly.

These improvements have been delivered at pace and with purpose, enabling the organisation to regain financial control and re-focus on service delivery. We now have a new and focused Executive Team, clear governance, and a collective understanding of the need to embed sustainable improvement across all areas of the organisation.

The shift from turnaround to transformation is already underway. We are now rebuilding the culture, modernising the way we work, and preparing the organisation for long-term growth, innovation and influence.

Our Strategy: Hft in 2033 – Your life. Your way.

Launched in 2024, our ten-year strategy, Hft in 2033: Your life. Your way., sets out a clear and optimistic vision for the future. Co-produced with learning disabled people, families and colleagues, it reflects what really matters to the people we support.

The strategy is shaped around three long-term priorities:

  • Supporting greater ambition and independence
    We will help people achieve their aspirations through access to work, meaningful relationships, improved wellbeing and greater choice and control.

  • Growing housing, care and technology solutions
    We will expand our supported housing offer, use technology to improve independence and deliver services that adapt to the needs of each individual.

  • Influencing society and championing inclusion
    We will strengthen our voice, build partnerships and work to remove the barriers that prevent people from being fully included in society.

This strategy provides a clear framework for change and a shared direction for the years ahead. It is grounded in realism, ambition and a strong belief in the potential of the people we support.

As we move forward, we remain committed to our values and to creating a future where every learning disabled adult can truly live their life, their way.