Local MP, Polly Billington, visits GOLD.

👁️‍🗨️ Do You See Me? – Learning Disability Week 2025

During Learning Disability Week – Do You See Me, Polly Billington, MP for East Thanet returned to East Kent Mencap to meet members of the GOLD (Getting on With Learning Difficulties) service who have been supporting Canterbury Christchurch University with surveys about healthcare and inequalities.

Polly asked if she could return to discuss members’ experiences of the Healthcare system, with transport and benefits added to the discussion at their request.

Kathy said ‘If I have to go to the hospital, it feels like people with a learning disability are seen last, if I was with Mum, she would be seen before me because she doesn’t have a learning disability. ’ Individuals questioned why they have to have so many reviews about benefits.

Ben said ‘You don’t grow out of having a learning disability or autism.’ The group spoke about the lack of accessible information like easy-read letters or signs and the lack of support across all three services.

Everyone agreed that there needs to be learning disability training for healthcare staff and transport workers, along with more easy-read documents, accessible information and a safe space campaign to address anti-social issues on public transport.

Jason Gerlack, our CEO, commented, “It was so encouraging to listen to people speak confidently about their experiences and make suggestions for change. This is what #DoYouSeeMe means: being heard, being understood, and making a difference.”