Learning Disability Week provided an important opportunity to reflect on the barriers that people with learning disabilities and autistic people can face when accessing care, and the role we all play in creating more inclusive, accessible services.
To mark the week, the Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism Provider Collaborative launched its new three-year Learning Disability and Autism Delivery Plan, setting out a shared commitment to improve outcomes and experiences for people across Birmingham and Solihull. The plan has been co-produced with people with lived experience, NHS colleagues and partners from the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector, including Mencap and Autism West Midlands.
The delivery plan focuses on improving care and support in the community, reducing avoidable hospital admissions and strengthening preventative services to help people live longer, healthier and more independent lives. Through ten priority areas, organisations across health, social care and the voluntary sector will work together to ensure people with learning disabilities and autistic people receive the right support at the right time.
More than 70 professionals from across Birmingham and Solihull attended a launch event during Learning Disability Week, where partners came together to explore how they will collectively deliver the plan and share examples of good practice already making a difference. These included the Autism West Midlands Key Worker Service, BSMHFT’s Autism Enhanced Support Team and Birmingham SEND Team’s Autism and Me project.
The event was shaped by powerful stories from people with lived experience, highlighting both the challenges individuals can face and the opportunities for change. Their experiences reinforced the importance of listening to those who use services and ensuring their voices remain at the centre of future improvements.
Learning Disability Week 2026, themed Do You See Me?, focused on ensuring people with learning disabilities are seen, heard and valued. Across the week, colleagues took part in learning events, shared resources and explored ways to improve the care and support provided across services.
The new delivery plan reflects a shared ambition across Birmingham and Solihull to tackle inequalities, improve access to services and create opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autistic people to live fulfilling lives in their communities. By working together with people who have lived experience, families, carers and partner organisations, the collaborative aims to deliver meaningful and lasting change over the next three years.
For more information about the Learning Disability and Autism Delivery Plan, visit the Provider Collaborative website.
Published: 26 June 2026
