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In 2009 Choice Support celebrates its 25th anniversary with a number of events taking place to mark this milestone.

One of these is the publication of First and Last, the remarkable story of Choice Support's involvement in the closure of six long stay hospitals. The 'first' of the title, Darenth Park in Kent, prompted the formation of Choice Support, while the 'last', Orchard Hill in Surrey, is the final institution of its type in the country.

The book captures an important chapter in modern social history that was in danger of being forgotten. The oral accounts of those who lived and worked in these hospitals give a powerful and timely reminder of how hard life was for people with learning disabilities in such places, and how far services have come in a quarter of a century.

A message from Nan Carle from Choicesupport on Vimeo.

Nan Carle Ph.D. speaks about the history of Choice Support and the changes in social care and wider society as part of a series of events marking Choice Support's 25th anniversary.

Nan is a founder member and former Chair of Choice Support. She currently works as a Commissioner of services for people with Developmental Disabilites in Arizona, USA.