LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK: "WE'RE BEING HEARD, AND IT MAKES ME FEEL SAFER"

16 June 2025

NHS Coventry and Warwickshire is marking Learning Disability Week (16th to 22nd June) by recognising the importance of listening to people with a learning disability and making services easier to use.

The theme for Learning Disability Week 2025 is ‘Do you see me?’, which focuses on making sure people with a learning disability feel seen, heard, and valued. The week also aims to raise awareness about the challenges and barriers faced by people with a learning disability.

In Coventry and Warwickshire, people with lived experience of a learning disability, autism, ADHD and other conditions are helping to shape how local primary care services are delivered. One example is the Learning Disability Friendly Badge. This scheme highlights GP practices that have taken clear steps to better support people with a learning disability.

Starco, an Expert by Experience and accreditation panel member, said:

“I like the Learning Disability Friendly Badge because it shows that we're [people with a learning disability] being heard and considering I have my ADHD, autism, and dyspraxia, I struggle a lot with certain things, so I like the fact that we're being heard because it makes me feel safer.”

“People with a learning disability have told us what matters to them, and it is our job to listen and act. 

“The Learning Disability Friendly Badge supports GP practices to make meaningful improvements, and we are proud to see this work led by those with lived experience. It helps create safer, more accessible services for everyone.” 

NHS Coventry and Warwickshire invites all GP practices in the region to take part in the scheme and apply for the badge. It helps improve care for people with a learning disability.

To find out more about the Learning Disability Friendly Badge project and the practices that have been accredited so far, click here. 

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