Learning Disability Week 2024

It's Learning Disability Week this month (Monday 17th - Sunday 23rd June)...

The week aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with Learning Disabilities by raising awareness about important issues, fighting stigma & discrimination & raising funds for outreach & support programs.

People with a Learning Disability want to be seen, heard & valued. Recent statistics show that nationally:

Only 26.7% of adults with a Learning Disability are employed yet 86% of unemployed people with a Learning Disability want a paid job.
1 in 3 people with a Learning Disability spend less than 1 hour outside their home on a typical Saturday.
Over 2,000 people with a Learning Disability &/or Autistic people are currently locked away in Mental Health hospitals.

Above information taken from the 2024 Mencap Manifesto

It is more important than ever to raise awareness & support equal opportunities for everyone with a Learning Disability.

DO YOU SEE ME?

This year's theme is "Do you see me?", designed to challenge the barriers people with a Learning Disability face in their day to day lives.

At Care Network, we work closely with many local people, of all ages, that have a Learning Disability or Autism, from our amazing customers to Volunteers, Champions & partners.

We want to celebrate all of the things people with a Learning Disability bring to society, particularly here in Blackburn with Darwen.

What's Going On Locally?

Learning Disability Week Event at Care Network - During Learning Disability Week, will we be hosting a special Resolve meeting here at Care Network Hub. Carly from re:fresh will be running a fun 'Dance to Music' session, plus we have Angie & Michelle from Above Beyond who will be joining us to run an inclusive craft activity. There will also be cake! Join us on Wednesday 19th June from 1pm to 3pm.
Resolve at Care Network - As well as our special Resolve meeting during Learning Disability Week, our usual weekly Resolve meetings will be running throughout June. This friendly & welcoming disability peer support group that meets regularly here at Care Network Hub. The group are passionate about supporting each other & taking action to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Blackburn & Darwen. Get involved, meet new people and have your say! Join us Wednesdays from 1pm to 2.30pm.
Learning Disability Partnership Board - Our Board Meetings bring together lots of people to work on making things better for people & families of those with Learning Disabilities & Autism. Care Network organises these important meetings in Blackburn with Darwen & we would love everyone who has an interest to join us & get involved.

Location: Furthergate Business Centre, Furthergate, Blackburn BB1 3HQ | Click here for directions from the M65
Date & Time: Wednesday 12th June 2024, 10am to 12pm. Please contact us for the full details and more info on ways to join.
Care Network's Hear Us Heroes - This warm & welcoming newly established group meets monthly, & is for local people, carers &/or family members of those in Blackburn with Darwen with lived experience of Learning Disabilities, Autism & Neurodiverse Conditions. We come together to talk about things that affect our lives, to support each other, & to advise others about how our lives can be improved. Professionals are welcome to come & ask questions about how we feel about various issues.

Location: Blackburn Library, Hornby Lecture Theatre (First Floor)
Date & Time: Tuesday 25th June 2024, 11.30am to 1.30pm
Our meeting this month marks the 1 year anniversary of Hear Us Heroes! Anyone living in BwD with a Learning Disability &/or Autism, their parents or carers are very welcome! Please note: If you are planning on joining us for our June meeting, please contact Michelle via email: [email protected] to confirm your attendance.
Inclusive active fun with re:fresh - Blackburn with Darwen's re:fresh team offer a range of inclusive fitness for adults with a Learning Disability & Autism activities - designed to empower every ability.

From low level indoor multi sports sessions, to outdoor walking and cycling sessions, re:fresh ensure that everyone can be physically active at their comfort level & preferences with their adaptove activities.

Staff are friendly & helpful, with a range of experience working with individuals living with a Learning Disability & Autism. Find out more here. Sessions are £1 for residents of Blackburn with Darwen & £2 for non residents.

What's Happening Nationally?

Mencap will be sharing different topics every day during Learning Disability Week on their website & social media channels.
For teachers, parents & other educators, Twinkl have a great selection of free arts & crafts resources that you can use.

How Can I Get Involved?

Here are some ideas of what you can do this Learning Disability Week to get involved:

Put on an event that represents you - people with a Learning Disability.
Take part in some fun Learning Disability friendly activities, such as DanceSyndrome.
Share & celebrate the amazing things that people with a Learning Disability are doing in our local community.
Spread awareness of Learning Disability Week 2024 - on social media. If you do share online, you can tag us on Facebook, X & YouTube.

For more ideas on how to get involved this year, Mencap have a free, handy guide you can download by clicking the button below:

Download Mencap's Learning Disability Week Guide

Find out more about our services for people living with Learning Disabilities &/or Autism in Blackburn with Darwen by clicking here.

*Header image credit: Mencap

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