People with learning disabilities help NHS staff ‘see’ them with fun glasses | News and events

People with learning disabilities help NHS staff ‘see’ them with fun glasses

Learning disabilities care teams and those who have experience of using care services are making unique glasses this Learning Disability Week to challenge the barriers people with a learning disability face.

Learning Disability Week (17 June to 23 June) is an opportunity to raise awareness and start conversations challenging beliefs around what people with a learning disability can do. Mencap’s theme is: "Do you see me?".

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) staff at Walker Close in Ipswich were challenged to make and wear fun glasses to remind everyone to see, hear and value people with learning disabilities.

The team works closely with people who have experience living with learning disabilities who are called ‘Experts by Experience'. To frame the week, a thank you party was held at Walker Close for the Experts by Experience group, which now has nine people informing the care the service provides.

Kathryn Barrow Acute LD Service Manager at NSFT said: “Working closely with our expert service users has given us all a deeper understanding and appreciation of the experience of those we support. 

“We wanted to use this awareness week to thank them for all they do to inform our services. They support with a variety of projects including recruitment and staff training to help us provide safer, kinder and better care. Ideas such as making and wearing these fun glasses are wonderful for helping us to think differently about learning disabilities.”