What is Learning Disability Week 2025?
Learning Disability Week 2025 is a chance to celebrate learning disabled people and help others understand their lives, rights and experiences. This year’s theme is “Do you see me?” It’s about making sure learning disabled people are seen, heard and included in everyday life.
We are supporting learning disabled people to speak up and share their stories. Will wrote to his MP about what needs to change. Others are showing what life is like through work, hobbies and relationships. We believe real voices create real change.
Here are 3 ways to take action this week:
1. Tell your story – Write to your MP and share your experience.
2. Fundraise – Join our 1.5 Challenge and help raise awareness.
3. Donate – Support the programmes that help learning disabled people live the lives they choose.
Together, we can build a future where every learning disabled person is seen, heard and supported.
Be like Will. Speak up for yourself.
Will, 28, was the first person we support to write to his MP for Learning Disability Week. He says,
“It’s important people with a learning disability use their own voice. Too often, others speak for us.”
Will lives in his own flat, works as a chef, and has been supported by Hft for nearly 10 years.
He wrote to his MP to ask for better support and funding.
Now he’s encouraging others to do the same.
Want to speak up like Will?
Write to your MP. Tell your story. Be a self-advocate.
Meet the faces of Hft
Sam and Ollie’s story
As brothers, Ollie and Sam have a close relationship. But the pair share an extra special bond because Ollie manages the resource centre Sam attends.
Colin’s story
When Colin arrives for his job at a fruit and veg shop he is filled with pride. Finding a role where he could be part of the community and learn new skills was one of his long-held goals.
Millie’s story
There is nothing Millie likes better than escaping into the world of science fiction and fantasy. And her love of everything mythical has prompted her to write her first book.
Caffi Dai’s story
Our community café has recently celebrated the graduation of its first four interns. Catherine, Carys, Sam and Karl have spent the last year at the café as part of a supported internship programme.
Drama Llamas’ story
The Drama Llamas is an accessible drama group made up of learning disabled adults. They performed to a full house at their annual summer show. This year’s theme: ‘A Night at the Musicals.’
Luv2MeetU’s story
Luv2MeetU is our friendship and dating service for learning disabled and/or autistic adults across England and Wales. Ben, Harry, Debby and Yvonne share what the service means to them.
Toby’s story
Being outside is something Toby loves. He volunteers every Friday morning at a community growing scheme where he helps with weeding, making compost, and deliveries.
Will’s story
Will is no stranger to speaking to those in power. And he’s first to write to their MP as part of our Self Advocacy Drive. Here’s why he thinks self-advocacy is so important.
How your donation helps
The people you’ve met on this page – like Ben, Millie, Colin, Toby, Kirsty and Catherine – are thriving with the right support. Your donation helps make that support possible.
£15
Could fund a place at a Luv2meetU friendship event – helping someone like Ben enjoy time with friends and build confidence through shared interests.
£40
Could pay for a pottery session like the one Millie takes part in at the Resource Centre, supporting creativity and mental wellbeing.
£100
Could support someone like Colin to get one-to-one guidance to prepare a CV, build confidence and secure a job in their local community.
£250
Could fund sensory equipment or calming environments that help people thrive independently.
£500
Could support a couple like Kirsty and James with personalised sessions to build life skills and independence together.
£900
Could support a community gardening programme like the one Toby volunteers at, helping people stay active, connected and outdoors.
Your gift helps learning disabled people be seen, heard and supported – just like Millie, Colin, Toby, Kirsty, Catherine and many more.
Take on the 1.5 Challenge
1.5 million learning disabled people live in the UK. This August, do a challenge themed around 1.5 and raise funds to help them thrive. Walk 1.5 miles, dance for 15 minutes, or do 15 good deeds – your challenge, your way.
Join us to make a difference and help ensure learning disabled people are seen, heard and supported.
How to get involved