Members of SENDaWelcome's learning disability-led community action group, My
Community, recently brought together health professionals, charities and local organisations for a Health Hub as part of Mencap's National I'm In campaign.

The event created an opportunity for people to come together, listen and discuss how healthcare can become more accessible and inclusive for people with learning disabilities. Through a series of conversations, participants explored what is working well, the barriers that still exist and the changes needed to improve people's experiences of health services. The event findings will contribute to Mencap's national I'm In campaign, helping to amplify the voices of people with learning disabilities and influence future improvements.

The discussions highlighted the importance of trusted relationships with healthcare professionals, community learning disability teams and flexible services. However, participants also identified significant challenges, including poor communication between services, long waiting times, inaccessible digital systems and a lack of understanding about reasonable adjustments. Many felt that people with learning disabilities are too often left to navigate complex systems without the support they need.

Looking to the future, attendees shared a clear vision for healthcare that is more joined-up, person-centred and accessible. They called for better communication between services, more Easy Read information, improved staff awareness, meaningful annual health checks and the routine use of reasonable adjustments so people do not have to repeatedly explain their needs.

By organising the Health Hub, members of My Community demonstrated the power of lived experience in shaping conversations that matter. Rather than speaking about people with learning disabilities, the event ensured that their voices were central to the discussion and that their experiences could help influence positive change.
 

At SENDaWelcome, we believe that people with learning disabilities should be at the heart of decisions that affect their lives. Through the My Community action group, members are building the confidence and skills to lead conversations, influence services and create more inclusive communities.

This event is another example of what can be achieved when people with lived experience are given the opportunity to lead. Together with Mencap's I'm In campaign, we are helping to ensure that the voices of people with learning disabilities are heard—and that those voices help shape a healthcare system that works better for everyone.