Learning Disability Week

Jenny Hewitt
5 days ago
3 min read

Learning Disability Week takes place from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 June 2026.

This year’s theme, “Do you see me?”, highlights the importance of people with a learning disability being seen, heard and valued.

Recognising the role of family carers

Many people with a learning disability are supported by family members who may have been caring for them for many years, often throughout their lives. While this week focuses on making sure people with a learning disability are recognised, it is equally important to acknowledge the vital role family carers play in advocacy and day-to-day support.

Why lived experience matters

During Carers Week, we highlighted the importance of people with lived experience helping to shape and influence services. We also reflected on the recent ARF report, delivered by Carers & Communities and key partners, on hospital discharge. The message is clear: lived experience has the greatest impact when it informs system-wide change for carers and the people they support – and at the earliest opportunity.

Read the full report here:

ARF Report

Sharing views and getting involved helps ensure the right conversations happen at the right time. We know lived experience is essential to shaping systems and services that work better for everyone. That is why we want carers to be able to share their views in a way that suits them, and at a time that works for them.

Because caring responsibilities and other commitments can make it difficult to get involved, we want to make participation as easy and flexible as possible.

How carers can get involved

For carers of people with a learning disability, we have a strong platform in place to make sure your views are heard and represented in meetings with professionals and partners who are there to listen. With support from a dedicated Carer Voice Officer, our forums, meetings and boards work best when carers share their experiences, highlight recurring issues and help shape solution-focused discussions.

There are several ways to get involved. You can attend meetings and/or join our online membership. This growing community of carers for people with a learning disability receives regular email updates on the issues being raised and offers opportunities to share views. The more voices we hear, the stronger our collective message becomes.

What to expect from the online membership

By joining our online membership and Carer Voice community, you can share your views on topics relevant to caring and receive regular updates by email.

· Hear about the topics that matter to you in your caring role

· Share feedback easily on the issues that matter most to you

· Give feedback at a time that suits you

· Choose as much or as little involvement as you want

· Receive updates from carer-related meetings

Right Support for Carers

Carers of people with a learning disability can also join Right Support for Carers, a subgroup of the Learning Disability Partnership Board that focuses on issues affecting carers and implementing the Learning Disability Strategy.

Learning Disability Strategy

You can attend as many or as few meetings as you like. If you are unable to attend, the online membership is an ideal way to make sure your views are still heard.

Get involved

We know there is still more to do to support carers - from helping people navigate the system, to accessing breaks, support and information, and ensuring services understand the needs of those they care for. We cannot do this without you.