Hear Us Heroes BwD Community Group

This warm and welcoming newly established group meets monthly, and is for local people, carers and/or family members of those in Blackburn with Darwen with lived experience of Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodiverse Conditions.

What we do and our ground rules

We come together to talk about things that affect our lives, to support each other, and to advise others about how our lives can be improved. Professionals are welcome to come and ask questions about how we feel about various issues.

At our meetings, we want:

To include everyone and have fun at the meetings
To hold professionals accountable
To be given the opportunity to speak one at a time
To always be positive and encourage positivity
To be listened to and have our voices heard
For people to arrive to our meetings on time
The chance to be able to work as part of a team
To be more friendly and more kind to people
To easily understand what people are talking about and for us all to talk in plain English
Better education for everyone on what it’s like to have Learning Disabilities, Autism and other conditions

Our meeting dates

Our next meeting starts at 10.30am on:

Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Please feel free to invite other people you know, family or carers of those with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism along to our meetings. Please arrive at 10.15am for a prompt 10.30am start.

Upcoming meeting dates in 2026 are as follows:

• Wednesday 1st July
• Wednesday 5th August
• Wednesday 2nd September

Themes and Activities

Things we want to talk about:

Anti bullying awareness
Health
Justice
Talking to decision makers at the council and NHS
Cost of living
Early help for people diagnosed with Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodiverse conditions
Safe use of the interenet and technology
Premises accessibilty
Volunteering opportunities

Fun things we want to do:

Dancing
Themed quizzes with prizes
Mindfulness and meditation
Seated yoga and exercise
Bingo
Musical activities and instrument use
Arts and crafts
Drama, acting and role play

Get involved

If you'd like to join us, please contact our Learning Disabilities and Autism team via:

Email: [email protected] | Telephone: 01254 507255

Anyone living in BwD with a Learning Disability and/or Autism, their parents or carers are very welcome!

Please note: If you are planning on joining us for our next meeting, please contact Michelle at: [email protected] to confirm your attendance.

For health, safety and to enable us to organise our meetings in everyone's best interest, we require confirmed numbers of attendees before the event. Thank you for your understanding.

Notes from our meetings

Please click the links below to view the notes from our recent Hear Us Heroes meetings:

Latest

What's On This Month

June is here & summer is just around the corner! Make the most of the longer days & the sunshine with our inclusive groups & support - designed to help you live well, meet new people & have your voice heard in BwD. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list for lots of wellbeing inspiration!
Cadent Impact Report

We are proud to be one of the Cadent Foundation's partners, working with a range of incredible organisations across the country to support people who are struggling to keep their homes warm & dry. Take a look at how our work, alongside other charities, has had an impact over the last 12 months...
Research Project for Adults with Down Syndrome

Our friends over at Re:fresh BwD have shared that Anglia Ruskin University are conducting an exercise health study, specifically for adults aged 18 & over with Down Syndrome. Find out more & get involved...
April Notes From Hear Us Heroes

Catch up with the notes from our April Hear Us Heroes meeting. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting in May! Don't forget to take a look at our new drama group too: Heroes Unmuted too...

Research Project for Adults with Down Syndrome

Our friends over at Re:fresh BwD have shared that Anglia Ruskin University are conducting an exercise health study, specifically for adults aged 18 & over with Down Syndrome. Find out more & get involved...
April Notes From Hear Us Heroes

Catch up with the notes from our April Hear Us Heroes meeting. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting in May! Don't forget to take a look at our new drama group too: Heroes Unmuted too...
The Creative Heroes

Brand new to Care Network this Spring... Join us for The Creative Heroes! Perfect for people that want to express their creativity, make new friends & share new ideas with each other. This fantastic group aligns with our Hear Us Heroes Project & is already bursting with energy, imagination & enthusiasm!
New Drama Group: Heroes Unmuted

Brand new at Care Network! Join Heroes Unmuted, a creative drama group for adults with Learning Disabilities and Neurodiverse individuals. A unique series of 13 interactive weekly workshops where you can learn theatre skills - both on & off the big stage...
Hear Us Heroes Mystery Shopping

Come & get involved with our Hear Us Heroes Mystery Shopping Group here at Care Network. Find out more...
March Notes From Hear Us Heroes

Catch up with the notes from our March Hear Us Heroes meeting. We look forward to seeing you at our April meeting! Don't forget to take a look at our new drama group too: Heroes Unmuted...
February Notes From Hear Us Heroes

Catch up with the notes from our February Hear Us Heroes meeting. We look forward to seeing you at our March meeting! Don't forget to take a look at our new Mystery Shopping Group too...
Hear Us Heroes Got Talent On Film

Take a look back at our incredible Hear Us Heroes Got Talent Show! We've captured your amazing performances and the hard work of everyone involved with this special event...
Learning Disability & Autism Partnership Boards

Blackburn with Darwen Learning Disability and Autism Partnership Board is an open regular meeting for everyone in the borough. Join us so we can work on making things better for people with learning disabilities and autism and their families.
November Notes From Hear Us Heroes

Catch up with the notes from our November Hear Us Heroes meeting...

Contact details

We try and make ourselves as easy to contact as possible. Here are the different ways you can get in touch.
About us

Care Network believes that everyone is entitled to an independent, healthy and safe life. Whether it's support for you or someone close to you, support at home or in your community. We will do everything we can to inform you and connect you with quality services for your continued wellbeing.
Care Network Hub

A multi agency drop-in hub in Blackburn with Darwen for the whole community with information on activities and support available borough wide.
Changes To Energy Bill Support From April 2023

Make sure you are up to date with the latest information and announcement from the Chancellor regarding energy bill support changes from Spring next year...
Caring about safe, trusted, local traders...

Over 80 quality assured local businesses so that vulnerable people in Blackburn with Darwen can arrange home improvements easily and with peace of mind.
Make a Referral

Whether you want to refer yourself or someone you support, just fill in one simple form and we will get in touch with you.
What's On This Month

June is here & summer is just around the corner! Make the most of the longer days & the sunshine with our inclusive groups & support - designed to help you live well, meet new people & have your voice heard in BwD. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list for lots of wellbeing inspiration!
Home maintenance

We work with trustworthy and skilled local traders so that you can quickly and easily arrange for jobs to be carried out to maintain your home.
Information and Signposting

We provide an information and signposting service for residents of Blackburn with Darwen to support their independence, health and wellbeing.
The Billy Project

Female only gym-based charity that helps you to improve your knowledge of health & nutrition, build your confidence, meet people and create friendships in Blackburn with Darwen. Adults and Junior programmes.