7 October 2021 by Lauren Wallace-Thompson

I’m With Sam: Tackling learning disability hate crime with Dimensions

Learning disability hate crime is a problem that is under-reported but can have a huge impact on victims. Dimensions' #ImWithSam campaign is led by an expert with lived experience and takes a multi-pronged approach to the problem. They support victims, raise awareness, train police forces, work with the CPS and influence policy to improve reporting, convictions and ensure victims are taken seriously.

Autism, Charity, Co-design, Co-production, Disability, Health, Inequalities, Learning Disabilities, Lived Experience, Social Action, Systems Change

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24 June 2021 by Lourdes Colclough

A year on: Are everyday people our new invisible trauma and loss workers?

Trainer Lourdes Colclough highlights an extraordinary new role being carried out by members of the community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: informal trauma and grief counselling. She tells us about the training being offered to those stepping up to fill gaps in formal mental health support.

Community Based, Coronavirus Crisis, Covid Considerations, Guest Blog, Mental Health

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29 April 2021 by Anna Eaton

Outside Edge Theatre Company: Collective Power Award

This week we hear from the winners of the CHWA Collective Power 2021 Award, a theatre company focused on improving the lives of people affected by any form of addiction with lived experience and co-production at its heart.

Arts, Collaboration, Collective Power, Drug and alcohol, Health, Lived Experience, Mental Health

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1 October 2020 by Anna Eaton

Interview with Spaces of Hope Founder, Matthew Barber-Rowell

Matthew tells us about his favourite piece of work, his best mistake and how Spaces of Hope hopes to make a difference during the UK's second wave of Covid.

Best Mistake, Collaboration, Community Based, Community Engagement, Health, Interview, Mental Health, Place Based, Social Movement, Storytelling

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21 July 2020 by Anna Eaton

Covid Considerations: Food, phone calls, yoga and volunteering – a personal account of lockdown

Ametrine is a middle-aged autistic woman who struggles with living independently at the best of times. Here she writes about her experiences of lockdown.

Autism, Coronavirus Crisis, Covid Considerations, Guest Blog, Mental Health

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25 June 2020 by Sally Percival

Covid Considerations: Stop taking the piss

Based on the experience of caring for her mum, Sally, the National Co-production Advisory Group Chair, wants us to stop and think about what we're measuring and reporting - especially now when people are separated from their loved ones.

Coronavirus Crisis, Covid Considerations, Guest Blog, Health, Mental Health, Older People

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21 May 2020 by Dawn Hart

Covid Considerations: What’s in your garden shed?

From lockdown dreams to neighbours helping each other, Ideas Alliance Associate and creative writer Dawn Hart shares her thoughts on how she's managing this stressful time.

Community Based, Coronavirus Crisis, Covid Considerations, Guest Blog, Mental Health

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12 May 2020 by Steve Palmer

Staying up late is put on hold. Autism and learning disability during lockdown

Steve Palmer, Dad of Stanley, an 18 year old with Down’s Syndrome, shares some of the issues that have come up during lockdown and the heroes helping out.

Autism, Children and Young People, Coronavirus Crisis, Covid Considerations, Guest Blog, Learning Disabilities

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7 November 2019 by Azad Sharma

Project 49: an innovative approach to day services for adults with learning disabilities by Southend Care

Project 49 provides innovative day services to adults with learning disabilities and associated needs with a focus on community inclusion.

Arts, Case Study, Collaboration, Community Based, Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, Wellbeing

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25 April 2019 by Azad Sharma

Mind the Gap: affecting social change through learning disability theatre

We spoke to Julia Skelton, Executive Director of the visionary theatre company Mind the Gap about inspiration, collaboration and their new production ZARA.

Arts, Case Study, Children and Young People, Co-production, Collaboration, Community Engagement, Interview, Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, Theatre

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6 December 2018 by Azad Sharma

Youcan Recycling

Youcan is a recycling initiative in Tayside creating employment for workers with additional needs as well as a great reinvestment in their local economy.

Case Study, Citizen-led Action, Mental Health, Social Enterprise

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16 August 2018 by Azad Sharma

Centrepoint Sport, using sport to heal and connect

Read all about the great work they are doing to bring young people experiencing homelessness together through the beautiful game.

Case Study, Children and Young People, Community Engagement, Homelessness, Loneliness, Mental Health

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Mental Health

Search our articles

I’m With Sam: Tackling learning disability hate crime with Dimensions

A year on: Are everyday people our new invisible trauma and loss workers?

Outside Edge Theatre Company: Collective Power Award

Interview with Spaces of Hope Founder, Matthew Barber-Rowell

Covid Considerations: Food, phone calls, yoga and volunteering – a personal account of lockdown

Covid Considerations: Stop taking the piss

Covid Considerations: What’s in your garden shed?

Staying up late is put on hold. Autism and learning disability during lockdown

Project 49: an innovative approach to day services for adults with learning disabilities by Southend Care

Mind the Gap: affecting social change through learning disability theatre

Youcan Recycling

Centrepoint Sport, using sport to heal and connect