Can you support an open letter calling for government to prioritise the health of people with learning disabilities?

People with learning disabilities continue to experience significant health inequalities and poorer health outcomes.

A group of Learning Disability England members have come together to write an open letter to the Prime Minister setting out what needs to change so people can live longer, healthier lives. Some members will be personally delivering the letter to 10 Downing Street in July.

The letter calls on the Government to:

· Create a new national programme and strategy for people with learning disabilities
· Tackle health inequalities
· Keep everyone accountable for making change happen

We are asking you to consider signing the open letter, personally or on behalf of your organisation.
We hope as many people and organisations as possible will come together to champion the rights of people with learning disabilities and ensure they are seen, heard, and prioritised in health policy.

Easy read letter: https://www.learningdisabilityengland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Open-letter-on-case-for-new-health-strategy-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.pdf

Sign the letter form: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=b8cj-G6tqkW0weAyQU6wJUMUMxeyUhJDmpDax8AWRDJUMFZRTzFGVlE1RVUzTFBGWE85QVhZS1ZKUy4u&route=shorturl

#LearningDisabilityAwarenessWeek

Seeking parents who have a learning disability.

We want to hear about your experiences of being a parent. This is part of a new study about parents with a learning disability, who would be willing to share their experiences.

Please contact Serena Tomlinson at the University of Kent, at s.tomlinson@kent.ac.uk for more information.

Free 8 Week Nature-Based Health & Nature Sessions – Folkestone!
East Kent Mencap are offering a free 8 week Nature-Based Health & Wellbeing Programme to adults with learning disabilities and neurodiverse people who wish to improve their mental wellbeing. The course will start 30 June – see poster for more details including a phone number for more details!

Update from the co-chairs of the Timms Review outlining the next stages of the review and opportunities for disabled people, organisations and others to take part. The ‘Call for Evidence’ is open to responses until midnight on 28 May, and is available in a number of accessible formats. Please check out – Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment: call for evidence – GOV.UK if this is important to you, a family member or someone you support.

A Pilot Community of Practice is being arranged by Ruth Germaine (Knowledge Mobilisation Fellow). This is being set up for anyone across Kent and Medway who directly support or run services for people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people. The Pilot Community of Practice will be co-led by a small group including experts by experience. 

The aims of the pilot:

• Understand what matters to people with learning disabilities and autistic people
• Learn together to build shared understanding and stronger relationships
• Improve everyday practice by listening to voices that are often unheard or misunderstood.

Sessions are online, the first being Wednesday 6 May 12-1.30pm – please liaise with r.germaine@nhs.net for more information

(PS – This is not connected to the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Learning Disability Community of Practice)