SBRI Healthcare is celebrating World Down Syndrome Day (21 March).
We join people around the world in celebrating the talents and perspectives of individuals with Down Syndrome and the importance of inclusion.
SBRI Healthcare is proud to support innovations such as Little Journey that help personalise healthcare, improve accessibility, and give children a voice.
The day is particularly important to us this year because at LGC Group’s Grant Management Group (GMG) – who manage SBRI Healthcare – we welcomed our first colleague with Down Syndrome.
Rhianna Hunter joined through a partnership with the Down’s Syndrome Association’s WorkFit programme.
Rhianna is Workplace Assistant in the Facilities team, based in Twickenham, and supports the efficient running of the office. She has quickly become a highly valued member of the team and we are very lucky to have her.
“Things have been going really well, and I feel at peace because there is no drama. I need this job, and I love helping, especially with the paperwork. My team is amazing and my favourite thing is coming in and having my own desk, and having my one to ones with my manager.” Rhianna Hunter, Workplace Assistant
“Rhi brings positivity, dedication, and a genuine sense of teamwork, and the impact she’s had on the office has been fantastic. Rhi has grown so much in confidence and independence, and she approaches her role with real care and capability. She lights up the office and we’re very lucky to have her as a colleague.” Nikola Feckanicova, Workplace Manager, GMG
“We are proud to partner with the WorkFit programme and delighted to have Rhianna join us. Every person with Down’s syndrome has inherent potential that should be recognised and supported, and an individual’s ambitions should not be limited. The Down’s Syndrome Association does excellent work, and as our neighbours in Teddington, we hope to provide more tailored opportunities as the partnership progresses. To anyone thinking about hiring someone with Down’s syndrome, I say do it! You won’t regret it.” Ben Patient, Director of Innovation Programmes, GMG
“We always say never limit the expectations of people with Down’s syndrome. Rhianna is an example of the dedicated, talented individuals we work with. We believe that everyone who has Down’s syndrome can work if they want to and are supported to do so.” Hannah Bamgbala, Workfit Officer, Down’s Syndrome Association, WorkFit programme
The SBRI Healthcare team and colleagues across GMG have been raising awareness all week by wearing brightly coloured, mismatched socks as part of the World Down Syndrome Day #LotsOfSocks campaign.