On 13th September, four members of Bexley Mencap’s self advocacy Respect group took part in an amazing fashion show as part of London Fashion week. All the models had learning disabilities and were part of a Beyond Words book club.
Beyond Words Book Club co-creates word free picture stories for people with learning disabilities with an emphasis on promoting better physical health and mental health and looking after your body by getting regular screenings and health checks.
The Respect group has just started working with the charity Books Beyond Words and answered an appeal from the charity who were looking for female models for their charity fashion show as a part of London fashion week.
Jane Menzies, Bexley Mencap Support Worker, who facilitates the group explained that;
‘All four ladies were very keen to take part, they worked brilliantly together as a team supporting and encouraging each other throughout the whole process from the initial measurements to the after show party.’
Jane added that ‘there were some nerves, but we talked everything through and the group were supported by a parent and volunteer travelled across London to join the event.’
The catwalk had a touch of glitter as nine models in total stepped out onto the glamorous red carpet. Sarah, Nimisha, Lorraine and Emma, modelled their own clothes and outfits for the show.
First to grace the catwalk was Nimisha, who is a puzzle queen and enjoys her arts and crafts. Next was Emma, who works for a local organisation and helps care for her grandad, but above all is a Charlton Athletic FC fan. She was followed by Lorraine, who supports Arsenal and likes to sing. Our final fantastic model was Sarah. Sarah is a former record holder, having won in both Butterfly and Freestyle 100m & 200m swimming competitions.
The ladies loved having their hair and make up done professionally and being part of the backstage action at the event. They all enjoyed their moment on the catwalk, under the lights and the audience was so supportive as they cheered and clapped each person.
Each model came off the catwalk, saying that they loved the overall experience from start to finish and wanted to do it again.
The ladies also joined the after show party for a class of bubbly and had so many people coming up to congratulate them.
Jointly organised with the Professional Women’s Network, the aim of the fashion show was to make fashion accessible for all and to embrace inclusivity, celebrating body diversity all its forms and in doing so building confidence and encouraging self-expression for women with a learning disability.
Empowering, raising awareness and changing people’s attitudes to learning disabilities is very much the watchword of the Respect group.
Jane says that Respect members are fans of the Beyond Words books and really enjoy running their own book club with support. Indeed, the focus on screening and getting yourself health checked is something Respect is passionate about.
Earlier this year, the Respect Group was a National Winner 2024 at O2 London: National Learning Disabilities & Autism Leaders List. This was in the Category: Advocacy, Policy & Media. https://www.bexleymencap.org.uk/leaders-list/
It’s only fitting that two of the models themselves should have the final word. So what did they think of the whole experience?
Nimisha said she volunteered because she had seen film star models on a catwalk before and felt that ‘if other people could do it then so could she.’ She said the group practiced their moves on the catwalk beforehand but it was very different when the music started and the lights flashed and it was time to walk out for real. ‘I just thought ‘be yourself’’. She described her emotions as a mix of being excited and calm at the same time. Looking back on the event Nimisha feels more confident now and smiles every time she thinks of her catwalk. She is proud of her achievement as are all her family and friends.
‘I’m glad I did it,’ says Lorraine. ‘It was great to see and hear all the people clapping on either side as I moved down the catwalk.’ She enjoyed the atmosphere and buzz about the event, adding, ‘next time I’d like to try walking out on an even bigger stage!’
