Leeds Learning Disability People’s Parliament

Leeds Learning Disability community

Our Customer Voice Officer, Natalie, accompanied the Leeds Learning Disability community, including many RWP tenants, who came together to speak up and be heard!

She says: “Our tenants’ participation will help to make real changes to their experience when accessing services such as healthcare and transport.”

Participants were invited to quiz the panellists on things they are worried about like staying safe. The panel had representatives from Leeds City Council, NHS, Police, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, First buses and Forum Central.

Issues raised at the council takeover

Key issues raised included transport accessibility, getting out at night, staying safe and personal support plans.

Those taking part made some brilliant suggestions to help improve services. A suggestion was made that councillors shadow people with a learning disability for a day, to experience first hand what their lives are really like. Councillor Salma Arif thought that was a brilliant suggestion and she promised to try and make it happen!

Tenants join the Learning Disability Pride march

After the council chambers takeover, a crowd gathered in Millennium Square to join the Learning Disability Pride march. The group marched proudly across the city with a sense of community and togetherness, towards the Being Social information event at Leeds Kirkgate Market. Stallholders from a range of organisations came together, offering a wide range of information, activities, support, advocacy, and opportunities to the learning disability community in Leeds.

“The event was brought to a dramatic close with a charming and colourful performance from Aspire’s Dramarama, who entertained the audience making sure they left with a big smile on their faces,” says Natalie, Customer Voicer Officer.