On Tuesday 30th June, we marked an incredible milestone at People First with the official launch of the Community Change Lab. Our vision has always been to build a world where people can thrive, and we mean all people, this includes people with a learning disability. Especially when those decisions effect their lives, with policies and systems built in ways that create barriers to the very people who's lives it affects.
We believe the path to repair this disparity is paved by research designed and led by people with learning disabilities, not just created about them. The energy in the room at our launch event proved that our community is passionate, and more than capable of leading that change.
We were thrilled to welcome over fifty people, plus online attendees, bringing together a wide range of lived experience and professional expertise from a variety of organisations. We had inspiring keynote presentations from LARA(Learning Disability and Autism Research Group) and Barod CIC. Both groups shared their expertise and lived-experience of co-research.
Collaboration in Action
The launch wasn't just about listening, it was about doing. Attendees rolled up their sleeves and jumped into a series of interactive activities focused on:
- Building our research agenda, identifying real-world issues we need to tackle first
- Overcoming barriers and looking at co-designing solutions to make research accessible and inclusive
- Sharing resources, and looking at connecting the dots between local organisations to support each others efforts.
"A really thrilling start to the life of the Community Change Lab."
- Dr.Kaz Stuart, People First
We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who attended, spoke, facilitated, and supported us is getting this vital initiative off the ground.
You can see the full gallery of pictures from the event on our webpage.
Find out more
If you missed the launch but want to get involved, find out more about our upcoming projects, or explore how you can support the Community Change Lab, click the button below to go to our main page or get in touch with Kaz at [email protected]
Let's make change happen, together!