“Do You See Me?” Cornwall NHS Foundation Trust’s Powerful Message for Learning Disability Week 2024

In celebration of Learning Disability Week 2024, the Trust is launching a poignant campaign asking, “Do you see me?”

The goal is to ensure that individuals with learning disabilities are seen, heard, and valued by their communities and professionals alike. This initiative is driven by the voices of service user champions and dedicated teams within the Trust.

Voices from the Community: Anthony Dunn and Citizen Checkers

Anthony Dunn, a member of Citizen Checkers, is one of the key figures behind this campaign. Citizen Checkers is dedicated to creating a fairer, safer, and kinder society, particularly for those with learning disabilities. Anthony, who works closely with patients in hospitals, emphasises the importance of leadership from people with lived experience.

“I think people with learning disabilities have got more to say. We know each other. We know how to communicate with each other. I think professionals need to learn to understand people with disabilities,” Anthony shared. “It is very important that people out there are listening to the people with disabilities. We have got the power. We are the champions. We have got to celebrate around Learning Disability Week.”

Anthony’s message resonates across Cornwall, urging both children and adults with learning disabilities to celebrate their abilities and contributions during Learning Disability Week 2024.

Professional Insights: Sam Edwards on Inclusive Practices

Sam Edwards, a nurse consultant with the Community Adult Learning Disability Team, provides a professional perspective on the campaign’s significance. He highlights the importance of integrating lived experience mentors into everyday practice to enhance understanding and inclusivity.

“There have been some really important steps that have been taken. For example, the Oliver McGowan training that is being rolled out. That is a great chance for people to really pause and think about the needs of people with learning disabilities and autistic people,” Sam noted. “Having teams of people like Anthony, the CHAMPs and Citizen Checkers working and being visible within our services is really important, but we need to do more.”

Sam’s call to action extends beyond the learning disability team, stressing that it is the responsibility of all staff and the broader community to meet the needs of individuals with learning disabilities. He emphasises that people with learning disabilities interact with various services, from healthcare to transport, and their needs must be understood and accommodated.

Celebrating Achievements: QNLD Status and CIDER

The Trust is proud of its efforts to support individuals with learning disabilities. Notably, the Adult Learning Disability Service recently became the first community team in the UK to receive QNLD status (Quality Network for Learning Disabilities). This recognition underscores the team’s commitment to high standards and quality care.

Additionally, the Trust is celebrating the accomplishments of its research teams, including the Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable Research Team (CIDER). These teams play a crucial role in advancing understanding and support for individuals with learning disabilities.

Click here for more information on the QNLD status and the work of  CIDER. 

Learning Disability Week 2024 serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to ensure that all individuals with learning disabilities feel seen, heard, and valued in every aspect of their lives.

Photo: Sam Edwards, Nurse Consultant with the Trust’s Community Adult Learning Disability Team and Anthony Dunn from Citizen Checkers.