Learning disability conference held at the University of West London

Some of the most prominent figures within the learning disability sector were recently invited to speak at a large conference titled ‘Together We Stand’, held at the University of West London (UWL.)

The event was hosted by the College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare at UWL and was aimed at sharing industry knowledge to aid development within the learning disability care sector.

The College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare acts as one of the main providers of midwifery, nursing and learning disability courses in West London and Berkshire.

Professor Bob Gates, of the University of West London, said: “This major conference brought together people from across the learning disability sector; it was presented, planned and attended by those with learning disabilities. Both speakers and guests had the opportunity to be challenged and think about the future.

“It was an honour to host this event at UWL where we are committed to educating future health care professionals to work with people with learning disabilities and their families with compassion and kindness.”

The event was attended by representatives from across the UK, who were witness to a performance by MiXiT, the world’s first inclusive pop band, whose members are a combination of people with and without learning disabilities.

The conference was chaired by the chief executive of the British Institute of Learning Disabilities, Anne Chivers, as well as Corrigan and John Keaveney from Certitude.

The British Institute of Learning Disabilities and Certitude both campaign for equality and respect for people who have learning disabilities and offer support to those who need it.

Principal advisor for Winterbourne View Joint Improvement Programme, Stephen Taylor spoke about the developments made within hospitals for people with learning disabilities, a discussion prompted by the BBC’s Panorama investigation into the Winterbourne View abuse scandal.

Mr Taylor said: “We now need to develop care services for the individual, rather than employing a ‘one size fits all’ approach.”

Dr Pauline Heslop from the Norah Fry Research Centre at Bristol University spoke about the importance of encouraging the safety of people with learning disabilities.

Dr Heslop recognised the need for improvement by listening to families, patients and care workers whilst making reference to the confidential inquiry into premature deaths of people with learning disabilities (CIPOLD), a study which revealed that one in three people with learning disabilities died as a result of poor care.

The event received sponsorship from NHS Health Education London and was the first of its kind to be held at the UWL. It was hosted in partnership with the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, British Institute of Learning Disabilities, The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability¸ Certitude and Ealing Mencap along with other national and local London organisations.