We’re in the business of changing lives. Ever since our daughter was written off at birth as having nothing to offer society we’ve not stopped changing perceptions of what’s possible. Earlier this year she received a British Empire Medal in the King’s birthday honours list. The organisation we created to support our daughter, Jen, who has Down’s syndrome, to dance … Read More
Putting the care back into social care isn’t difficult
I’m no psychologist but why on earth do we continue to give people with learning disabilities and their families such an incredibly tough time? Most people with learning disabilities are born with learning disabilities. Others acquire learning disabilities through accidents, notably brain injury. No one chooses to have learning disabilities. But it happens. It can happen to anyone, or impact … Read More
What does freedom mean to you?
For most of us freedom is taken as a given. It is assumed that unless you have committed offences punishable by imprisonment, that we are free to be our own person. If we accept that every person is a human being with equal human rights, then we all have the self same right to freedom. As we are all unique … Read More
Co-production – a long and winding road towards undreamt riches!
Without realising it, it seems that Malcolm and I have been practicing co-production all our lives, supporting each other to be the best that we can be. With the arrival of Jen and her unexpected learning disabilities in the form of Down’s syndrome, she was naturally embraced into the same cultural norm. I’ve always sought to do my best as … Read More
Achieve, smashing misconceptions
This week is Learning Disability Awareness week, with the theme “Achieve, smashing misconceptions”. National charity Mencap are leading the way in busting myths about people with learning disabilities, sharing brilliant stories. We all have our own stories. I wrote in Carer’s week how important it is for each of us to own the narrative of our own life: “After a … Read More
Opportunism
So following #Carersweek, what’s changed? Has the government heard the plea for help from family carers crying out for better support or from MP Caroline Dinenage who held a debate in the House of Commons last week? Carers need help now, not in the future, but right now. And not lip service only met with platitudes. They are hurting and … Read More