Learning Disability Week 2025: Seeing People, Not Labels

We are proud to recognise Learning Disability Week which runs from 17 to 23 June 2025. It is a time to listen, reflect and take action to improve the lives of people with a learning disability.

The national theme this year, ‘Do You See Me?’, challenges us all to consider whether people with a learning disability are truly seen, heard, and valued across health and care systems. It invites us to go beyond labels and to recognise each person’s strengths, rights and aspirations.

At BSW ICB, we are committed to creating fairer and more inclusive services for people with a learning disability and for autistic people. We are working closely with partners to drive meaningful change, both in the community and in inpatient care.

• In partnership with Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP), we are developing The Kingfisher. This is a new, state-of-the-art inpatient unit designed to meet the needs of people with a learning disability or who are autistic and require specialist mental health care. The Kingfisher will provide therapeutic, person-centred support closer to home and in line with national best practice.
• We are also working with HCRG Care Group to transform our Community Learning Disability and Autism Services. Our aim is to ensure equitable provision across BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire, making it easier for people to access the specialist health support they need when they need it.

These developments are part of our wider ambition to deliver personalised, preventative, and proactive care. This includes our work on the Dynamic Support Register, Keyworker services, and our ongoing commitment to co-production with experts by experience.

We encourage all staff to take time this week to:

• Reflect on how your service recognises and responds to the needs of people with a learning disability
• Consider the barriers people may face when accessing healthcare
• Explore ways to make services more inclusive, accessible and responsive

Learning Disability Week is not just about raising awareness. It is a call to action for all of us to do better and to ensure people with a learning disability are seen, heard and supported to live well.