This film is part of Free
Holding Hands
Red Cross and Respite – disabled children and Red Cross cadets help each other at a day centre in the 1960s.
Overview
The Red Cross and respite care – disabled children and Red Cross cadets help each other at a day centre in the 1960’s. The sentimental commentary belies the mutual bonding and learning that is clearly taking place between the non-disabled and disabled young people.
In the 1960’s, people with Down’s Syndrome like those in this film were patronisingly regarded as “sub-normal” and unemployable, with an anticipated short life span. These low expectations and perceptions have since changed hugely, with Down’s people themselves accessing employment and campaigning for social inclusion.
Related
Zero Hour Zero Hour
Charity appeal 1928 8 mins Silent
"In the kingdom of the blind, the St Dunstan's man is king": how blinded WWI soldiers set up their own businesses.
Disabled Fundraiser Disabled Fundraiser
News 1974 4 mins Location: Tamworth
Disabled ex-miner Derek Sewell lets his chair do the talking in his quest to help people with mobility issues.
Lest We Forget Lest We Forget
Charity appeal 1937 8 mins Silent Location: Andover
Charles Laughton stars in this appeal film for Enham Village Centre, where WWI servicemen with disabilities are cared for.
Lanlivery Special School Lanlivery Special School
Current affairs 1976 2 mins Silent Location: Lanlivery
Special School receives a special visit.
East End Cripples Enjoy a Happy Days Outing in Epping Forest East End Cripples Enjoy a Happy Days Outing in Epping Forest
Non-Fiction 1911 2 mins Silent Location: Epping Forest
Disabled East End ‘ragged’ children go on a trip to the country - but not everyone seems happy
It's Like Getting Wings It's Like Getting Wings
Promotional 1970 13 mins
Thanks to the Winged Fellowship Trust disabled guests at Crabhill House enjoy a fortnight’s holiday that can make a real difference
So This Is Staines! So This Is Staines!
Non-Fiction 1926 1 mins Silent Location: Staines-upon-Thames
Welcome to 'Maidenhead-sur-Mer' - waterlogged scenes of Thames Valley flooding from January 1926.
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.