Wednesday, January 27, 2010

HOLLYOAKS CHARACTER HIGHLIGHTS NEEDS OF DISABLED MUMS


The on-screen pregnancy of disabled character Hayley Ramsey, in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, has spurred a national charity to issue a guide offering advice to parents and pregnant women with disabilities.

It was recently revealed that Hollyoaks' Hayley Ramsay, a wheelchair user played by Kelly-Marie Stewart, was pregnant.

Actress Kelly-Marie, who herself is expecting a baby, began using a wheelchair aged 21, after contracting Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition that attacks the nervous system.

The storyline, which first aired on January 13, has prompted the Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) to issue the guide, titled Disability, Pregnancy and Parenthood, outlining the support available.

It includes details of useful equipment such as special pushchairs, bathing supports and changing mats and provides links to other organisations which can support parents and expectant mothers with disabilities.

In addition to the guide, DLF Helpline advisors have consulted with the Channel 4 production team on the storyline, offering information and advice.

DLF's chief executive, Christine Shaw said: "Increasingly we are seeing disability issues covered in our nation's soap operas.

"I am delighted that Hollyoaks has decided to follow the storyline of a young wheelchair user who finds out that she is pregnant.

"Pregnancy and parenthood is a very personal experience but wheelchair users in particular may have additional concerns.

"We hope our new information sheet will help provide practical advice to anyone who is affected by the issues raised."

The guide can be downloaded from
www.dlf.org.uk/sites/default/files/Disability_pregnancy_and_parenthood.pdf

Or call DLF's Helpline on 0845 130 9177 for a copy.

DLF provides information and advice on equipment to help older and disabled people continue to live full and independent lives and stay in their homes as long as possible. Fore more information, visit www.dlf.org.uk

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...