Blog from Gary Bourlet, Membership and Engagement Lead at Learning Disability England

On the 13th March, I went to the Challenging Behaviour Foundation’s launch of the ‘What Matters to Me’ project at the House of Commons.

It was great to be part of this event, hear about the project findings and meet lots of people I did and didn’t know already.

This project is so important – the voice of people who don’t use speaking to communicate is not being heard and they are not involved in policy decisions that affect their lives.

April 10th is National Siblings Day – Learning Disability England echos the words of member Sibs who say ‘we know what a valuable role siblings play in the lives of their disabled brothers and sisters, how unique their relationship can be and how they need to be recognised and celebrated in their own right‘.

To mark the day, James O’Rourke, Family and Friends Member Representative at Learning Disability England and proud sibling to Tony O’Rourke, reflects on his and Tony’s personal story and the importance of sibling relationships…

Growing up with a sibling who has a learning disability brings a mix of emotions, challenges, and incredible rewards. It’s a unique journey—one filled with love, lessons, and moments that shape who you become.

John Hersov, who has worked closely and supported self-advocates with learning disabilities since the 1980’s, reflects on his experiences, what has changed since he began his career, and how self advocates have shaped his outlook today…

I have always liked working with groups of people with learning disabilities and autism.         

I taught “Speaking for Ourselves” classes at the City Lit Adult Education Institute in Central London through the 1980s and 1990s.

To celebrate the launch of the refreshed Good Lives framework, Learning Disability England is focusing in on one chapter every two weeks.

From the 31st March to April 11th the big focus is on Chapter 5: “Effective Voice – Self Advocacy and Advocacy.“

This week we wanted to spotlight the latest episode of the People First Podcast and its focus on the Learning Disability England 2025 in-person conference!

To celebrate the launch of the refreshed Good Lives framework, Learning Disability England is focusing in on one chapter every two weeks.

From March 17th to March 28th, the theme has been ‘Employment and Contribution’.

The welfare reform announcements made in parliament last week were a reminder of the way society can speak about and treat disabled people.

What’s happening?

This week in Parliament the government talked about Welfare Reform.  

On 30 January 2025, NHS England published its operational planning guidance for 2025/26, this says what their targets are and what they will check in local health services.

This is the first planning guidance that has been put out since the government was elected in July 2024.

They have also published the Mandate for the NHS – this says the things the NHS should focus on.

The Learning Disability England Representative Body have written a statement to respond to what these say:

Michael Chick, Co-founder and Chairman of United Pride Friends, reflects on the challenges LGBTQ+ people have had to overcome – particularly those LGBTQ+ people who also have learning disabilities.

This LGBTQ+ History Month, Michael shares why it’s important to recognise both progress and what still needs to change for communities to thrive...

We at United Pride Friends are celebrating LGBTQ+ history month as it important to us to remember those that have protested and campaigned so LGBTQ+ people have the same rights as the rest of society and that we are given equity.

It’s important that we remember, although it is LGBTQ+ history month, LGBTQ+ should be given support throughout the year, every year.

Last week, Angela Catley, Marianne Selby-Boothroyd and Mary Woodhall attended a meeting for the Social Care All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). They share how it went…

The APPG is a group of Parliamentarians (members of Parliament) from across lots of political parties who are all focused on making social care better.

There is also a working group who advise them, made up of organisations who focus on this too. This includes Learning Disability England.

At this meet-up, we met with the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, Stephen Kinnock.

The Minister outlined the Government’s plans for a Big Conversation around social care, led by Baroness Casey.

Steven Chapman, Self-Advocate and Co-Chair of the Board at Bemix, talks self-advocacy and building international connections…

For years, I’ve been working on boards and teams in the Kent area, focusing on making sure people with learning disabilities and autistic people have their voices heard.

I want to see a world where they can lead, succeed, and be fully included in all parts of life.