On Friday 13th September 2024 the Professional Women’s Network – London hosted a fundraising fashion show for us. This event, the first of its kind for Beyond Words, was sponsored by The Rotary Club of London and was hosted at Future Dreams House in Kings Cross. Empowered to make their own outfit choices, the catwalk sparkled as nine readers of Books Beyond Words modelled a mixture of outfits from MH Mena, House of Kind (London) and their own outfits.
There are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities in the UK, and they are 58 times more likely than the general population to die before the age of 50. 42% of these early deaths are avoidable with good health care (compared to just 9% in the general population). 52% of women with a learning disability are screened for Breast Cancer, compared to 68% in the general population, and only 31% receive their cervical smear (compared to 73%).
Our work helps address these startling figures by using picture stories to build awareness, and ease anxiety and embarrassment. Full-length titles like Looking After my Breasts and Keeping Healthy Down Below, and free health screening leaflets, help open conversations around healthcare and improve understanding. Open communication leads to greater uptake of screening procedures, and fewer missed appointments.
Stéphanie Tumba, PWN London President, opened the evening by welcoming the 40 guests to this event. Beyond Words is the 2024 President’s Charity Choice of the Year, a programme which runs an annual event supporting a charity which empowers women. Katie Smith, Beyond Words CEO, then introduced the nine women who were all modelling for the very first time. The nine Beyond Words models all have a learning disability and volunteered to be part of this special event because they are fans of the Books Beyond Words series.
First to set foot on the red carpet was Emma. Emma has previously appeared on Britain’s Got Talent and enjoys acting, singing, and dancing. Next along the catwalk was Michelle, a self-employed consultant, mother of 4, grandmother of 11 and Books Beyond Word author. Following her was Roxanne, an artist who is also creative in the kitchen where she creates wonderful dishes. Her twin sister Leanne came next. Leanne loves to keep fit by going to the gym and taking long walks. The fifth model was Shadi, a student at City Lit in Covent Garden, and co-trainer for Beyond Words Book Clubs.
Next were four very glamorous representatives of the Respect Group from Bexley Mencap, who have recently started a Beyond Words Book Club.
First to grace the catwalk was Nimisha, who is a puzzle queen and enjoys her arts and crafts. Next was Emma, who works for Bexley Council and helps care for her grandad, but above all is a Charlton Athletic FC fan. She was followed by Lorraine, who likes to sing and to take holidays in warmer countries. Our final fantastic model was Sarah. Sarah is a record holder, having won in both Butterfly and Freestyle 100m & 200m swimming competitions.
There are a wide range of Books Beyond Words titles covering all kinds of situations for people who find pictures easier to understand than words. Our stories are also used in schools to develop pupils’ emotional understanding, with 92% of pupils in a recent study demonstrating improved emotional wellbeing after just one term.
We are currently creating 300 new Book Clubs for people with learning disabilities across England, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Book Clubs are a place for people with learning disabilities to have fun, make friends, and tell their own stories. Find out more at their website.
We are looking for sponsors to create new books that will open conversations and help to save more lives. Hoped for related titles to the fashion show are What to Wear, a guide to wearing the right clothes in different seasons and situations; and The Menopause, a valuable resource for helping to recognise and understand symptoms. If you could help fund a new title, please contact CEO Katie Smith.
