Lewisham MPs Listen to People with learning disabilities
On Friday 31st January, we hosted a Question Time at the Catford Civic Suite for people with learning disabilities. One of our People’s Parliament reps suggested that we hold this event as part of our self advocacy work. They said it would be a great chance for people with learning disabilities to share their experiences with MPs and get involved in politics. The three Lewisham MPs that came were:
- Vicky Foxcroft, MP for Lewisham North
- Janet Daby, MP for Lewisham East
- Ellie Reeves, MP for Lewisham West and East Dulwich
A big turnout
49 people with a learning disability came, along with local Councillors, charities, adult social care staff, parents, and carers. Everyone came with important questions for the MPs about issues that affect their daily lives.
What questions did people ask?
People asked about:
- The NHS
How can waiting lists be made shorter for people with learning disabilities?
- Benefits
Are there plans to make benefits easier to access?
- Housing
What is being done to get better housing for people with learning disabilities?
Are there plans to make the housing application more accessible?
- Employment
What support is available to help people with learning disabilities get jobs?
- Social Care
How can we improve support for people with learning disabilities?
How can we make sure carers are supported?
- Education
What support is there for children with learning disabilities who want to be in mainstream schools?
What support is there for parents with learning disabilities to make sure they are listened to?
- Leisure Activities
What is being done to stop places like Catford Mews cinema from shutting down, as it is important for mental health and recovery from trauma?
And lots more!
One person asked if the MPs knew about the We Can’t Wait campaign by My Life My Choice. Along with Lewisham Speaking Up, Dudley Voices for Choice and other self advocates around the country, My Life My Choice are campaiging for people with learning disabilities to be prioritised on NHS waiting lists to stop them from dying too soon. People with learning disabilities are more likely to die before their time.On average, women with learning disabilities die 27 years younger than women without learning disabilities and men die 23 years younger than men without learning disabilities.
One person said:
“People with learning disabilities have suffered for years and years. I’ve seen it ever since I was a lad. We were mistreated in school and now as adults. We can’t get the right tests in the NHS or the right housing. This stuff should have been done years ago.”
What the MPs Said
The MPs listened carefully and promised to take action.
- Vicky Foxcroft MP said:
“We hardly ever get all three of the Lewisham MPs together for an event. It is usually just one of us. But we thought it was so important to hear what you had to say today that we made sure we were all here. People with learning disabilities haven’t got what they need, and we want to make that right.”
- Janet Daby MP added:
“We are committed to getting it right for people with learning disabilities – in housing, benefits, education, and waiting lists – and making sure everyone has a good quality of life.”
This event was an important step in making sure the voices of people with learning disabilities are heard. The MPs promised to take these issues forward and push for real change.
We were very happy to see people with learning disabilities get involved in political discussions and be listened to.
We hope to do this event again next year!
To find out more about our work or to get in touch with us:
follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Threads @lewspeakup
call us on 020 8692 1862
email us on info@lsup.org.uk
or check our website: www.lsup.org.uk
