Very real concerns over report into ATUs

Paul de Savary This week Secretary of State for Health & Care, Matt Hancock announced an ‘immediate’ review, to be carried out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), into practices in Assessment and Treatment Units (ATUs), including the prolonged seclusion and long-term segregation used in the ‘care’ of individuals with complex learning disabilities and autism. […]

National Gardening Week

Springtime sparks a surge in gardening nationwide, with even the smallest balcony or window ledge being transformed into a riot of colour. National Gardening Week celebrates this passion, with a range of interactive gardening activities available across the country. In this article we are embracing our green fingers and exploring how those with learning disabilities […]

Festival of Sleep

The Festival of Sleep is a celebratory day created to remind individuals to take a rest after the chaos of the festive season. But life with a child with learning disabilities may make it difficult to get the essential sleep required for wellbeing, let alone indulgent post-Christmas naps. The importance of sleep is well known […]

Preparing for Christmas

Whilst most families are excitedly anticipating Christmas, when you have a child with a learning disability or autism, preparing for Christmas can take more consideration and planning. What many view as enjoyable markers of the season – such bright lights, crowds, noise, visitors, celebrations and disruption to routine – when viewed from the eyes of […]

A Lonely Society

Listening to Lucy Hurst Brown on ‘A Lonely Society’ (originally aired on Radio 4, available on BBC iPlayer) was a poignant reminder of how far we, as a society, still must come towards true integration of all. Hurst Brown reflected on her life’s work – helping to move people out of institutions into supported living […]