Learning Disability Week 2023

What a week we had celebrating #LDWeek - from sport to singing to just getting together and having fun it was a fantastic chance for us to reflect with the people we support and think about the myths that exist around people with learning disabilities.

The theme of this year’s campaign was myth-busting so one of the most popular activities we organised was a myth-busting tree at our Jarrow drop-in session where we all enjoyed choosing words to describe ourselves and each other and watching the tree grow.

Our Gateshead drop-in group took part in a Top Facts activity which aimed to educate and raise awareness about learning disabilities. This was a fantastic session which encouraged everyone to talk about things they are proud of and share facts about themselves that show the talents, strengths and abilities they have to challenge the stigma and discrimination that people with learning disabilities face. .

During the week we were also pleased to support other #LDWeek activities happening in our area and had great fun attending the official #LDWeek launch event, taking part in the Shared Lives triathlon in South Tyneside and having a song and dance at a singalong at the amphitheatre in South Shields. The self-advocacy group Speaking Up Together held their second Annual General Meeting while we also organised other opportunities for the people we support to get together and celebrate the week, including a karaoke, picnic and a fun trip to the Hoppings funfair.

For more information about the regular activities we offer to people with learning disabilities, visit Get Involved.