In the UK, learning disabilities affect approximately 1.5 million people, with around 1 in 50 children being identified with a moderate to severe learning disability. These individuals often face significant barriers in education, employment, and accessing healthcare. Despite legal protections such as the Equality Act 2010, many people with learning disabilities remain marginalised and experience social exclusion. However, increasing community-based support and advocacy efforts are helping to shift perceptions, emphasising the importance of inclusion and ensuring that individuals with learning disabilities are seen, heard, and valued members of their communities.
BCHG is raising awareness of learning disabilities by taking part of Learning Disability Week, taking place from 16th – 22nd June. The theme this year is "Do you see me?" which is all about people with a learning disability being seen, heard and valued.
BCHG’s Supported Living Team helps individuals with learning disabilities live as independently as possible while still receiving the care and support they need. We do this by:
Promoting Independence: Individuals live in their own homes or shared housing with support tailored to their needs, encouraging decision-making and life skills like cooking, budgeting, and cleaning.
Personalised Support: Support workers help with tasks such as medication management, personal care, attending appointments, and accessing education or employment opportunities.
Community Inclusion: Supported living services aim to reduce isolation by helping people engage in social activities, build relationships, and participate in their local communities.
Choice and Control: People are supported to make choices about how they live, who they live with, and the kind of support they receive—promoting autonomy and dignity.
Improved Wellbeing: With stable support and a safe home environment, individuals often experience improved mental health, self-confidence, and overall quality of life.
Overall, supported living bridges the gap between full independence and residential care, empowering individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling, self-directed lives.
In supported living we are embracing and championing Learning Disability Week by celebrating at each scheme with an activity that the tenants have chosen and enjoy doing.
- Monday 16th June - tenants at our Brick Kiln Lane scheme held a games night
- Tuesday 17th June - tenants at Wilson Road had a movie night, sharing their love of film with a cinema vibe.
- Wednesday 18th June - tenants at Whitepoplars Close had craft sessions with pizza! A firm favourite for these tenants.
- Thursday 19th June - tenants at Havacre Lane continued with their garden improvements, planting and enhancing their garden, followed by a BBQ to celebrate their achievements.
- Friday 20th June - tenants at Chapel Street combined their love of picnics and afternoon tea by relaxing in their garden and had lots of cake!
