Championing the voices of people with learning disabilities

It’s time to end discrimination, remove stigma and fight for a fairer society.

At CLCH, we are proud to join Mencap, a national charity, in marking Learning Disability Week as our first quarter spotlight campaign, which starts from 19 to 25 June.

It is one of my favourite times of the year, and we will be focusing on the theme"Living life with a learning disability”. This is a crucial opportunity for us as a Trust to not only educate and raise awareness, but also to understand, listen to and champion the voices of those with learning disabilities.

I would like to personally thank our staff in the specialist learning disabilities services in Barnet and tri-boroughs (Hammersmith & Fulham, Kesington & Chelsea and Westminster) for going above and beyond to provide quality care to people with learning disabilities and help them in becoming more active and independent in every facet of their lives.

CLCH has made clear commitments to diversity and inclusion through the Equality Strategy and the Learning Disability and Autism Strategy. We prioritise eliminating disparities and promoting equity while adhering to the Accessible Information Standard in the trust and shall continue to improve the care of patients with learning disabilities who use our services.

Learning Disability Week is so important to me as it helps raise the profile of the superb work our staff in learning disability services are doing by ensuring there is parity in our approach to delivering outstanding care in our services. 

Over the upcoming months, our campaign will feature staff and patient stories, showcase some of the outstanding work of our talented colleagues in the learning disability specialist services. We will also share the latest updates and stories from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, as well as demonstrate how you can use Makaton to support people with learning disabilities.

It’s thought up to 350,000 people have a severe learning disability. You can read about the support available for people with learning disabilities on the NHS website. If you would like to learn more about Learning Disability Week and what you can do to show your support, visit the Mencap’s website.

Lastly, I would like to say that it's been really challenging for people with learning disabilities over the past few years. Let's keep working together to demonstrate compassion and build a community that fosters confidence and autonomy for people with learning disabilities.

Billy Hatifani
Deputy Chief Nurse