Our ultimate aim is to provide services and support that help people with learning disabilities and/or autism or learning difficulties build connections, have happy and independent lives, whilst having fun in the process.
Our vision is for a better world, social justice and equality of opportunity for people with learning disabilities and/or autism or learning difficulties.
Our mission is to empower individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism or learning difficulties by providing comprehensive support and services tailored to their unique needs. We strive to foster connections, promote independence, and cultivate joy in their lives through meaningful activities and experiences. Our ultimate goal is to enable people regardless of their abilities to lead fulfilling and empowered lives, filled with opportunities for growth, happiness, and fun.
Our values of trust, care, choice and opportunity reflect our history and have been developed in consultation with our staff, service users and trustees. These values are embedded into our mission, vision and overall aim and objectives of the organisation and all Inclusive Sports. All our work is also underpinned by the following values.
Learn more about learning disability, autism and learning difficulties definition...
Our Plans For The Future
In October 2022 we engaged our staff and volunteers, our board of trustees and service user representatives in some exciting thinking about our strategy and future ambitions.
Learn about the Elfrida Society's work priorities to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and/or autism or learning difficulties here:
Welcome to the Elfrida Society Leaflet
Leading the Way
Our History
Celebrating 104 years working to support inclusion, promote equality and challenge assumptions about learning disability.
For over 100 years, The Elfrida Society has supported people with learning disabilities and/or autism or learning difficulties (LDAD).
Our mission is to help people take control of their own lives. We do this through advocacy, user-led consultation, research, and fun social activities. We want to create a world where everyone can live independently, make connections, and find happiness and success.
Celebrate our long history and great work by watching our short Centenary video. Together, let's keep working for a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone.
See the journey of The Elfrida Society in our inspiring Centenary video. Watch now!
Our Founder
In 1916, Elfrida Rathbone began teaching in Kings Cross at a special kindergarten started by her cousin, for children deemed 'ineducable'. In 1919 Elfrida established an Occupation Centre in Kings Cross for 'ineducable' children excluded from school and recruited supporters to sit on the Care Committees of Islington's Special Schools. She formed a Girls' Club in 1923, followed by a Married Girls' Class with a creche, and in 1930 established a befriending scheme for children in institutions.
The Elfrida Society was founded in 1919 by Elfrida Rathbone to campaign on behalf of those who needed more support in life. Over 100 years later, the Elfrida Society remains a cherished part of the community at the forefront of support to those with learning disability and/or autism or learning difficulties, in Islington and in recent years across London, and English counties.
Our Executive and Board of Trustees Team
Contact Us
Get in touch with the Elfrida Society - 9.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, for more information on our services offer, to make a referral or about making a complaint or giving a compliment.
Directions:
Buses: 30, 4 and 43
Bus stop: Islington Town Hall (Stop R) - the office is located on 34 Islington Park Street, 5 minutes' walk from the Town Hall.
Nearest Underground Station Highbury & Islington - Our offices are within 7 minutes' walk from the station.
Stay in Touch
Stay connected with the Elfrida Society and stay informed about our impactful work!
Our regular newsletters are packed with relevant and helpful information about our initiatives and local activities.
To join our mailing list and receive our newsletter, simply scan the code provided here and complete the form.
We look forward to keeping you in the loop!
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