Reigniting debate and stimulating a momentum for change

This project focuses on disseminating vital research on the realities faced by people with learning disabilities in the UK, emphasising the gap between policy aspirations and lived experiences. It follows on from a rapid project delivered during the last phase of the School for Social Care Research (in 2023), which produced extensive resources — including blogs, infographics, quantitative analyses, and advocacy materials. This next phase prioritises targeted engagement with policymakers, practitioners, and the public.

The research team will undertake a one-week intensive campaign involving direct outreach to MPs, Lords, Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and professional bodies to share findings and advocate for meaningful change. Activities will include sending personalised materials, crafting political ‘love letters’ as acts of social justice, and using creative methods such as craftivism to amplify the message.

Additionally, the research team aims to publish previously unshared qualitative data on individuals transitioning from Assessment and Treatment Units (ATUs) to community living, reinforcing our core message: that people with learning disabilities deserve lives that are truly fulfilling. This project directly aligns with SSCR’s thematic objectives, driving impact through research-based advocacy.
 
 

• Aims

  Through this project, the research team aims to:

  • Disseminate research findings on the realities of people with learning disabilities, highlighting the gap between policy goals and lived experiences.
  • Engage policymakers, practitioners, and advocacy groups to drive evidence-based change in social care.
  • Leverage the new political landscape to influence policy discussions and decision-making.
  • Explore and share previously unpublished qualitative research on people with learning disabilities transitioning from Assessment and Treatment Units (ATUs) to community living.
  • Use creative engagement methods to amplify the message and build broader alliances for change

   

• Methods

  Pre-Workshop Preparation 

  • Refine existing outputs, including infographics and research summaries.
  • Develop a strategic contact list of MPs, Lords, NGOs, and professional bodies.
  • Plan outreach methods, including personalised engagement and creative advocacy approaches.

  Intensive One-Week Workshop

  • Gather team members in an accessible space to coordinate outreach efforts.
  • Distribute research materials via mail-outs and direct contact with policymakers.
  • Use creative advocacy (e.g., craftivism, political ‘love letters’) to engage stakeholders.
  • Explore new ways to share unpublished ATU transition stories.
  • Document the process through photography, video, and art for future reflection.

  Post-Workshop Engagement

  • Monitor responses, follow up on inquiries, and assess impact.
  • Host online sessions to help stakeholders apply research findings in practice.

   

• Planned outputs

  The planned outputs include:

  • Targeted dissemination of research findings to MPs, policymakers, and advocacy groups.
  • Infographics and campaign materials summarising key insights.
  • A creative documentation piece on the value of the engagement methods used.
  • Online knowledge-sharing sessions to explore real-world applications of the research.