Month: October 2026

Kent, Surrey & Sussex Learning Disability CoP Webinar!

/ Michael Fullerton / Leave a comment

Learning Disabilities Nurses: NMC Registration & future of the workforce. A presentation by Professor Vanessa Heaslip, University of Salford

KSS Learning Disability Community of Practice are delighted to host this important webinar on Wednesday 16 December 2026 12-1pm, via Zoom.

The webinar focuses on Learning Disabilities Nurses thoughts on NMC Registration, future of the workforce and impact they have on people with a learning disability.

The number of registered nurses in the UK is at an all-time high due to growth in the numbers of adult, children’s and mental health nurses, but there has been a decline in the number of Registered Nurses in Learning Disabilities (RNLD). There has also been a reduction of RNLDs employed in the NHS in England and Scotland as well as a reduction in learning disability filled posts in the independent sector. This workforce contraction is not due to a reduction in need; as the number of adults with a learning disability requiring long-term support has increased. This presentation will present findings from a research study that sought to explore RNLDs’ perceptions of professional registration with the NMC, their views on the impact of RNLDs on people living with a learning disability, and their perceptions regarding the future of the profession. It also explored perspectives from people with learning disabilities, family members/carers, and other stakeholders on the contribution RNLDs make to care and support.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/learning-disabilities-nurses-nmc-registration-future-of-the-workforce-tickets-2003896053038?aff=oddtdtcreator

Help us make mental health training better

/ Tracey / Leave a comment

Are you a person with a learning disability? We want to hear from you.

We’re holding an event on Monday 16 November 2026 to talk about training for NHS mental health staff. Your ideas and experiences can help make that training better, so that staff understand and support people with a learning disability more.

We will start with lunch at 12:00, then spend 12:30 to 3:00 talking together. It will be in Room AH2.23 (Flexible Space) at Augustine House, Rhodaus Town, Canterbury CT1 2YA. We will send directions when you book.

We will pay you £60 to take part. We can’t pay for travel. We can only pay you for one event like this each year, but if you sign up with us, you can do more paid work.

Want to come? Email Ruth at ruth.germaine@canterbury.ac.uk to book a place. If you want to sign up with us, tell Ruth when you email and she will help you.

LOUD_Event_Easy_Read_Flyer_16Nov2026Download

Come and help lead our Community of Practice – Kent and Medway Learning Disability and Autism

/ Tracey / Leave a comment

We are a group in Kent and Medway. Staff from different services learn with and from Autistic people and people with a learning disability.

We need you

Do you have a learning disability? Please come forward and help us lead.

  • You know what good support looks like.
  • You can help plan our sessions.
  • You do not need any experience.
  • Your voice matters.

To get involved, sign up or send us an email. Say you would like to help lead.

How it works

  • Lived experts lead. They plan every session.
  • We meet online on Microsoft Teams.
  • It is free.
  • You do not have to come every time.
  • You can speak, type, draw or listen. Listening counts.
  • Nobody has to share personal experiences.

Next meeting

Wednesday 4 November 2026, 12:00 to 14:00, on Teams. We meet on the first Wednesday of every other month.

Who is here?

Over 140 people have joined. We also want more police, fire and rescue staff, and GPs.

Sign up

Sign up here: forms.office.com/e/2eKZTTbGPt

Questions? Email kmmh.ld-autism-admin@nhs.net

Please see the flyer for more information.