Learning Disability Week 2024
Why is Learning Disability Week important?
Research shows that people with a learning disability have poorer mental and physical health than those without a learning disability. On average, men and women with a learning disability die 20 and 23 years younger than men and women in the general population, respectively.
Learning Disability Week is an annual event led by Mencap, a UK charity that promotes equality and campaigns to improve the lives of people with a learning disability. This movement celebrates the contributions that people with learning disabilities bring to society and raises awareness about the challenges they face.
The theme for this week is "Do you see me?" which emphasises the importance of recognising people with learning disabilities as individuals with their own rights, passions and hobbies who deserve to be seen and heard.
What is Learning Disability Week about this year?
Each day of Learning Disability Week focuses on a different topic and these are:
Monday 17 June: "Do you see me?"
Tuesday 18 June: "Do you understand me?"
Wednesday 19 June: "Will you work with me?"
Thursday 20 June: "Do you hear me?"
Friday 21 June: "Do you include me?"
Saturday 22 June: "Will you support me?"
Sunday 23 June: A summary of the week.
How can I get support?
Mencap has lots of advice about learning disability for everyone. This includes their free helpline service which offers advice and support for people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.
Easy Health is an online library of approximately 500 accessible and downloadable health resources, including leaflets and flyers.
Additionally, the Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust have learning disability teams that work with adults aged 18 years upwards who have a diagnosis of learning disability and carers. They offer advice and information to enable people with learning disabilities to be independent. You can find more information about the support they offer here.
You can also get in touch with your local learning disability team:
Westminster learning disabilities partnership
Address: 215 Lisson Grove, London NW8 8LW
Phone: 0208 102 3889
