Celebrating learning disability service user achievements
The second BCHC learning disability service user and carer celebration event was held yesterday (Wed, 22 Oct), in partnership with Midland Mencap at Weoley Castle Community Centre.
This year's theme - chosen by the learning disability division service user group - was a regal afternoon tea.
The event vision shared the Mencap Learning Disability Week theme “Do you see me?”, encouraging everyone to look, listen and value each individual and make sure people with a learning disability are seen, heard and included.
Divisional patient experience and engagement lead Louise Parton said: “By staff across the learning disability division, nominating people they support, this is a chance to celebrate the achievements that no matter how small, show real strength and resilience of our service users.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to hear a range of ways that our service users overcome barriers to be able to not only live more independently but how they support communities through volunteering and awareness raising.”
The LD division's service user group and partners worked with BCHC staff to put together a suitably celebratory programme with the support of BCHC Charity and Midland Mencap, including a football penalty shoot-out fundraiser.
Service users, BCHC colleagues, relatives and carers enjoyed a drinks reception, afternoon tea and musical entertainment from flautist Hannah Whalley and Crafting Voices, while recognising and celebrating the achievements of service users in a range of categories.
- I am brave
- I am creative
- I give my time
- I help others
- Yes, I can
- I keep going
- I did it
- I learnt something new
- Strength and courage
- Divisional contribution
Following last year's success, Midland Mencap were pleased to be able to join us to recognise contributions of members of the public including unpaid carers and volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding strength, resilience and achievement in three categories - confidence in action; making time matter; and goal getter - and received awards from Midland Mencap chief executive officer Dave Rogers.
He said: “it is great to see such a turn-out, it is what this space is for - a shared space for people within this community to come together."
LD division professional lead nurse Alison Whalley said: “At the heart of this event are the journeys behind every nomination, new skills learned, goals reached, challenges overcome and moments of courage and determination.
“Our finalists were nominated by the clinical teams who know their stories, with shortlisting involving people with lived experience alongside colleagues from the patient experience team.
“Reading their nominations was a powerful reminder of how much there is to be proud of.
“Most importantly, this event belonged to the people we were celebrating. We hope everybody felt recognised and valued and that everyone left feeling good about what can happen when people are listened to, supported and given the opportunity to shine.”