Celebrating Learning Disability Week

A collage of seven images showing people enjoying themselves at LD Week events.

In Learning Disability Week, service users and colleagues were invited to fun-filled events where they had the opportunity to connect with local NHS teams and support services and try out activities.

In partnership with Midland Mencap, communities came together for events in Sutton Coldfield and Weoley Castle. In keeping with the awareness week's theme "Do You See Me?", the occasions were an opportunity for people with learning disabilities, along with families, carers, and friends, to come together, celebrate, and make new connections.

Among a wide range of fun activities to promote health and wellbeing were the chance to experience the soothing sounds and vibrations of a "sound bath"; or treat yourself to a touch therapy massage, plus a wealth of helpful information, advice, and support from local NHS and community services.

Learning disabilities division patient experience lead Louise Parton said: " It was special to have partnered with MENCAP to bring together a community of people with learning disabilities.

"It was an opportunity to share valuable health information from our teams in learning disability services, and highlight the important of creating opportunities where people with learning disabilities are heard, respected and empowered."

Midland Mencap business manager Laura Gilmour said: "We were delighted to partner with colleagues from BCHC across two successful events, providing information, advice, and guidance alongside a varied timetable of wellbeing activities, finishing with a barbecue in the lovely sunshine.

"The events were attended by 85 people who have a learning disability or care for someone with a learning disability. In addition, 50 staff from both Midland Mencap and BCHC were involved, demonstrating the strength of partnership working.

"Together, we are committed to empowering people with learning disabilities to access the co-produced services they need, when they need them, ultimately supporting healthier and more fulfilling lives.

"We now look forward to the awards evening we are co-delivering with BCHC Charity in September, where we will celebrate the achievements of local people with a learning disability.”

Event locations

Weoley Castle Community Centre, Bottetourt Road (Wednesday)
Clifton Road, Outdoor Education Centre Clifton Rd, Sutton Coldfield (Thursday)

a group of people at an LD Week event. The LD north locality hub team at their information stand. A man and a woman facing each other at an LD Week event. He is holding her hands. People smiling at an LD Week event. A lady leading a sound bath at an LD Week event. A Midland Mencap employee and a BCHC nurse chatting at an LD Week event. A lady doing some seed planting at an LD Week event. A lady in a red England football top playing boules at an LD Week event. A BCHC employee offering carers' advice to a lady at an LD Week event. A smiling lady in a pink cardigan holding a toy dalmatian dog.