“Do you see me?” Learning Disability Week

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What is Learning Disability Week 2024?

Organised by the UK charity Mencap, Learning Disability Week 2024 is all about raising awareness of the experiences of those with learning disabilities. The theme for is “Do you see me?” which focuses on respecting, acknowledging, and valuing the voices of these individuals. At Zetetick, this theme is particularly close to our hearts, as empowering people with learning disabilities to live as visible and integral members within society, through the means of quality community and housing, is one of our BEDROCK values. We are thrilled to be sharing a tenant’s wonderful story at the end of this post, so keep reading!

“Do you see me?”: People with learning disabilities are entitled to quality housing too

The needs and voices of individuals with learning difficulties can be frequently overlooked when it comes to them accessing quality housing. Barriers such as high demand, lack of funding, and lack of information and support, mean that individuals may find themselves in unstable housing situations like prolonged hospital stays. In January 2020, the NHS reported that 58% of people with learning disabilities had endured stays of over two years in hospital. (NHS Digital, 2020). Prolonged hospital stays are detrimental for individuals with learning disabilities. The unstable environment may worsen their conditions and make it increasingly difficult for them to access the communities of support they really need (HSDR, 2024).

How we support people beyond Learning Disability Week

At Zetetick, we firmly believe that hospitals are not long-term homes. Our mission is to provide stable housing solutions that prioritise quality living for individuals with learning disabilities. We tailor our accommodations to suit the unique preferences and needs of each tenant, empowering them to live independently. However, we don’t just stop there! We also have a duty to ensure that our tenants are surrounded by a good, supportive community, ensuring that all their needs are supported, respected, and that their voices are always heard.

Tenant spotlight: Rosie’s learning disability story

We are thrilled to be sharing Rosie’s wonderful story which represents “Do you see me?” perfectly.

Rosie’s story shows how difficult it can be to find a home of your own when you have complex needs. She has a learning disability and challenging behaviour and spent years in a semi-secure mental health unit far from her family, often locked in a tiny room for most of the day with no contact with the outside world. Life in a locked ward was no life at all.

However, thanks to Zetetick and the support of the local authority and care providers, Rosie was able to move to a room in a house in London that Zetetick rented from a private landlord. There she was able to receive all the care she needed and lead the sort of ordinary life in a local community that most of us take for granted. She was nearer her family too, so she could see them much more often.

Now, over ten years later, Rosie’s life has been transformed. The care package is essential – the skilled staff who work closely with Rosie every day to meet her needs. But without the home provided by Zetetick and the private landlord, the transformation in Rosie’s life would have been impossible.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming one of our tenants, you can make a referral.