The Hamlet's history of supporting Norwich's disabled people

Bernard Godding joined city charity The Hamlet, which has helped more than 25,000 families across half a century, in 1979 to help remove the stigma felt by disabled people at the time.

Mr Godding, who has lived in Eaton for 45 years, worked closely with the charity's founders Jack and Margaret Wymer before soon working on a national project.

The Hamlet has helped more than 25,000 families across 50 years (Image: The Hamlet)

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The International Year of Disabled Persons called for a plan of action at national and local levels, with an emphasis on providing equal opportunities, rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities.

Mr Godding, 81, said: "I joined the group and was soon offered the opportunity by the Lord Mayor of Norwich in 1981 to mark the International Year of Disabled Persons around the city.

"Raising awareness was so important because at the time disabilities weren't really taken seriously.

Bernard Godding, 81, worked for The Hamlet upon moving to Norwich in 1979 (Image: Bernard Godding)

"One of the unfortunate perspectives in society at the time was people with disabilities didn't really have to be considered by others and instead were just pitied.

"A lot of the project was speaking to organisations, businesses and people to make sure people with disabilities were accounted for.

"We would hold events and go around shops to make sure they were suitable enough to accommodate those with disabilities.

"The work done then was very much a stepping stone in how disabilities are handled now."

The Hamlet helped raise awareness during the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981 (Image: Archant)

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Mr Godding believes The Hamlet was at the beginning of the progress made years later.

He added: "People now feel so much more empowered to make the most of their lives and spaces which help them be truly free.

"It was a huge privilege to be part of the group that helped shape the future for disabled people."

Mr Godding believes that people now feel so much more empowered to make the most of their lives thanks to the work The Hamlet provides (Image: The Hamlet)