Oliver McGowan’s training was created following his death in 2026, to make sure people with a learning disability and autistic people receive the understanding and support they need.
We are the only organisation in Cumbria delivering this nationally recognised training, working with people with lived experience to help create real change in how services and workplaces respond.
As a child, Oliver contracted meningitis and received a diagnoses of mild hemiplegia, focal partial epilepsy, a mild learning disability and high-functioning autism. Oliver was a school Prefect, a wonderful student and sportsman who was training to become a Paralympian.
During a series of hospital visits Oliver was prescribed medication he felt he did not need, and was often restrained and detained under the Mental Health Act, his family strongly believed that doctors were misunderstanding Oliver’s normal autistic behaviours and the medication prescribed had a significant detrimental effect on his health.
Due to complications with these medications Oliver passed away 11th November 2016.
Oliver's training was created after his death, to insure that people with a learning disability and autistic people receive the support and understanding they need, and deserve.
The training is delivered in two tiers, depending on the level of understanding and responsibility needed in a role.
Together, the two tiers create a clear pathway, helping individuals and teams grow in confidence, understanding and the ability to provide more inclusive, person-centred support.
