Darlington people with learning difficulties urged to have their say (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

People with learning difficulties urged to have their say

3:16pm Monday 18th March 2013 in News By Joanna Morris

PEOPLE with learning difficulties are being urged to have their say on the issues that matter to them.

The People’s Parliament held an event today (Monday March 18) to raise awareness of their work and to encourage potential members to come forward in an effort to expand the organisation.

The Darlington-based group works in the local community to highlight issues facing those with learning difficulties and to address their concerns.

Council representatives, community groups and organisations, as well as those with learning difficulties, were invited to the event to hear presentations from members about their work.

One of the organisers, 27-year-old Steven Roberts, said: “We have invited people from all over the community, including those who make decisions about issues that impact on the lives of disabled people.

“We want more people to join our group and to come to our meetings and hear what we have to say. We are a voice and we speak up for those who find it hard to speak themselves.”

The People’s Parliament acts as a support and advocacy group for those with learning difficulties and delivers a range of projects throughout the community.

In an effort to tackle inequality, the group will attempt to deliver a project about bullying and hate crime to every secondary school in Darlington within the next year.

Previously, members have worked to raise awareness of the democratic system to enable those with learning difficulties to become more involved with the voting system.

The group, partially funded by the Northern Rock Charitable Trust, costs around £35,000-a-year to run.

Tracy Roberts of the Darlington Association on Disability – which supports The People’s Parliament – appealed for help with funding.

She said: “The group faces general costs relating to expenses as well as the cost of a senior support worker.”

To get involved with The People’s Parliament, email parliament@darlingtondisability.org or call 01325-360524. The group meet every two weeks and feeds directly into the Learning Disability Partnership.

To help with funding, email tracy@darlingtondisability.org.