It's Learning Disability Week this month (Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd June)...

The week aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with Learning Disabilities by raising awareness about important issues, fighting stigma & discrimination & raising funds for outreach & support programs. 

It is more important than ever to raise awareness & support equal opportunities for everyone with a Learning Disability.

DO YOU SEE ME?

This year's theme is "Do you see me?", designed to challenge the barriers people with a Learning Disability face in their day to day lives.

At Care Network, we work closely with many local people, of all ages, that have a Learning Disability or Autism, from our amazing customers to Volunteers, Champions & partners.

We want to celebrate all of the things people with a Learning Disability bring to society, particularly here in Blackburn with Darwen.

What's Going On Locally?

• Learning Disability Week at Care Network - We are planning a great selection of events to celebrate Learning Disability Week 2025, including a live performance outside Blackburn Town Hall at 1pm on the 20^th June, followed by a celebration in Blackburn Library (Meeting rooms 1 & 2). Refreshments will be available. We hope to see you there! Please stay posted with us on our website and Facebook page for more details.
  
  

• Care Network's Hear Us Heroes - This fun, warm & welcoming group meets monthly & is for local people, carers &/or family members of those in Blackburn with Darwen with lived experience of Learning Disabilities, Autism & Neurodiverse Conditions. We come together to talk about things that affect our lives, to support each other, & to advise others about how our lives can be improved. Professionals are welcome to come & ask questions about how we feel about various issues.
  
  Location: Blackburn Library, Rooms 1 & 2 (First Floor)
  Date & Time: Wednesday 4th June 2025, 11am to 1pm

  Our meeting this month marks the 2 year anniversary of Hear Us Heroes! Anyone living in BwD with a Learning Disability &/or Autism, their parents or carers are very welcome! Please note: If you are planning on joining us for our June meeting, please contact Michelle via email: [email protected] to confirm your attendance.

• Resolve at Care Network - Our usual weekly Resolve meetings will be running throughout June. This friendly & welcoming disability peer support group that meets regularly here at Care Network Hub. The group are passionate about supporting each other & taking action to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Blackburn & Darwen. Get involved, meet new people and have your say! Join us Wednesdays in The Geddes Room from 1.30pm to 3pm.
  
  
• Learning Disability Partnership Board - Our Board Meetings bring together lots of people to work on making things better for people & families of those with Learning Disabilities & Autism. Care Network organises these important meetings in Blackburn with Darwen & we would love everyone who has an interest to join us & get involved. 
  
  Location: Furthergate Business Centre, Furthergate, Blackburn BB1 3HQ | Click here for directions from the M65
  Date & Time: Wednesday 11th June 2025, 10am to 12.30pm. Please contact us for the full details and more info on ways to join.
  
  
• Fun with Neuro-Dy-Namix - Join us on Mondays for this welcoming group at 10.30am & Thursdays at 10.30am for our Journalling Club! Just £2 per session. Drop in & get involved.

• Inclusive active fun with re:fresh - Blackburn with Darwen's re:fresh team offer a range of inclusive fitness for adults with a Learning Disability & Autism activities - designed to empower every ability. 

  From low level indoor multi sports sessions, to outdoor walking and cycling sessions, re:fresh ensure that everyone can be physically active at their comfort level & preferences with their adaptove activities.

  Staff are friendly & helpful, with a range of experience working with individuals living with a Learning Disability & Autism. Find out more here. Sessions are £1 for residents of Blackburn with Darwen & £2 for non residents.

  Remember to take your Leisure Card when you attend. 

What's Happening Nationally?

• Mencap will be sharing different topics every day during Learning Disability Week on their website & social media channels.
• For teachers, parents & other educators, Twinkl have a great selection of free arts & crafts resources that you can use.

How Can I Get Involved?

Here are some ideas of what you can do this Learning Disability Week to get involved:

• Put on an event that represents you - people with a Learning Disability.
• Take part in some fun Learning Disability friendly activities, such as DanceSyndrome.
• Share & celebrate the amazing things that people with a Learning Disability are doing in our local community.
• Spread awareness of Learning Disability Week 2025 - on social media. If you do share online, you can tag us on Facebook, X & YouTube.

For more ideas on how to get involved this year, Mencap have a free, handy guide you can download by clicking the button below:

Download Mencap's Learning Disability Week Guide

Find out more about our services for people living with Learning Disabilities &/or Autism in Blackburn with Darwen by clicking here.

*Header image credit: Mencap