Read our latest news update
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Hello and welcome to our latest newsletter.
By the time you are reading this, we will have returned from the Positive Voices self-advocacy conference in Birmingham. This is the second year we have been involved in planning and being part of this new conference, organised and run by self-advocacy groups. It is such a powerful and uplifting feeling to be in a room with hundreds of self-advocates, all wanting to make life better for people with learning disabilities. We are proud to be a part of the conference and would like to give a big shout out to Dudley Voices for Choices for making it happen for the second year. You can find out more about the conference and other self-advocacy news below.
Not everyone is always able to speak for themselves, or sometimes they might need a bit of help. That is why our 1-2-1 advocacy service is so important. We are there to help people secure their rights and say what they want to happen. Read on for updates from our 1-2-1 advocates.
We believe that working with others is the key to getting things done and we’re pleased to announce some new partnerships for Lewisham Speaking Up. We are now an official partner with Community Connections Lewisham and we are also part of the Fundraising Plus programme with Lewisham Local. Watch out too for some more news about an exciting partnership with Entelechy Arts. We hope that by working together we will be able to help even more people with learning disabilities in Lewisham.
Finally please save the date for our AGM on Wednesday 6 December at 3pm. We would love to share our latest annual report and a mince pie with you!
Self-Advocacy Update
Positive Voices Conference
Five of our self-advocates went to Birmingham to speak at the Positive Voices conference in September.
Lloyd hosted the conference and gave a great opening speech where he talked about the importance of people speaking up, especially younger people. He also told some jokes which got everyone laughing!
The People’s Parliament reps presented on their work with the NHS on a reasonable adjustment flag for people with learning disabilities.
On the way home we met Ozzy the bull from the Commonwealth Games.
Sam said, ‘The conference was fantastic and I really loved it’. Aisha said, ‘it was great to meet other self-advocates from around the country. The presentations were brilliant.’
Our next People's Parliament
Our next People’s Parliament will be on the subject of Racial Equality.
We will talk about:
- what to do if you have experienced a hate crime
- how to be an Ally
- how health is affected
It will be at the Catford Civic Suite on
Thursday 19th October from 10.30am – 3.00pm
Photosymbols Shoot
August was a busy month. We did a photo shoot for Photosymbols, helping to make images to be used in easy read documents.
Our trustee Hannah who was involved in the shoot said, ‘it was a great day and I was really pleased to be able to help make easy read images’.
Wednesday Drop-In
Why do you come to the Drop-in and what do you enjoy about it?
Here are some responses:
“I get to have a cuppa with my friends. I have a good chat. We talk about important things.”
“I get my voice heard. I feel listened to. I enjoy the drop-in as I’m not at home being bored. Everyone is friendly. I enjoy the colouring it helps keep me calm. I really enjoy meeting people.“
“I can be myself without judgment. The drop-in keeps me informed and up to date about things. It’s nice to socialise.”
“We talk about things that are important. It’s nice to have a cup of tea and see people.”
“The drop-in has made my self-esteem better – I can be myself, talk to people about important things, colour, be creative, etc. I like the ‘Idea’s cards’ cause it makes us think about different things. It helps me with thinking about my future and what I might do with my life.”
1-2-1 Advocacy
We’ve had another great outcome with our Money Management Advocacy Service.
One of our participants was very pleased when we made a successful grant application for a new sofa on his behalf.
He chose the style of sofa he wanted and is now the happy owner of a very comfy piece of furniture.
In August we presented a Mobile Phone Workshop at the Leemore Centre which was very well attended.
We shared valuable information, had lively discussions and talked about interesting questions around mobile phones.
“I was over the moon, one of the best things that has happened to me!”
“Michelle did a really good job and we worked as a team to get it for me”
Raising Funds for LSU!
Don’t forget, you can raise funds for Lewisham Speaking Up by shopping online at all your favourite stores via Easyfundraising. Choose Lewisham Speaking Up as your charity of choice, and you’re set to start shopping.
Donate at Caf Donate.
