Local people with learning disabilities aim to get heard

Adults with learning disabilities across Leeds are aiming to get their voices heard through during Leeds Learning Disability Week (17-23 June),

The Advonet Group’s Asking You! project will be involved in a takeover of the council chambers in Leeds Civic Hall by the Leeds Learning Disability People’s Parliament.

The People’s Parliament is an open forum for adults with learning disabilities in Leeds to have their say about the services they receive. They have a platform to share their issues and experiences. It gives them an opportunity to speak directly to those in power and be involved with the decisions that affect their lives.

The event is attended by councillors, care providers and people from the NHS and social services. Last year’s Council Chamber Takeover attracted nearly 100 visitors. This year’s event is at the Leeds Civic Hall and will start at 10am.

At 12.15pm, there will be a Learning Disability Pride March. People’s Parliament members and others with learning disabilities will walk from Millennium Square to Kirkgate Market to show their pride in who they are. It will end at the Market, which hosts another event.

The Being Social Marketplace, which starts at 11am, will have a range of services providing social opportunities and activities for people with a learning disability. Marchers will be welcomed at the market with open arms, capping off a day of empowerment.

Kenneth Fletcher, a Project Worker for Asking You!, spoke about his excitement about what the day will bring. “From the People’s Parliament meeting to the Marketplace, it’s going to be a big day for us. We’ll be working hard to get people to know that we all have a voice!

“If you have a learning disability and want to raise your voice, please join us”, he added.

All three events are free to join. The first two are for adults with a learning disability who live in Leeds.

The Marketplace event is open to everyone, from 11am to 3pm. For more information on getting involved, contact the Asking You! team by emailing them at askingyou@advonet.org.uk or calling The Advonet Group’s office on 0113 244 0606 and asking for Jimmy.