Mencap’s Big Cuts event

There is something comforting when you find out that you are not the only one fighting cuts.

This week I attended Mencap’s Big Cuts event in London, where I met many people with a learning disability and families who are campaigning against the cuts to frontline services.

The event, held at the glamorous Channel 4 building, gave individuals, families and local groups the chance to come together to share information and experiences, and pick up tips on how to campaign.

Mencap’s head of campaigns and policy set the scene by taking people back to the start, setting out what is happening at the national level and what Mencap is doing to stop unfair and illegal cuts.

Professor Luke Clements addressed the conference with a superb coverage of what rights we as individuals have, showing us that by writing just one letter, we can stop a cut to an individual’s care package.

Finally we looked at how, as a region, we can work together to fight against the cruel cuts to the London Taxicard scheme, which will see many people lose their independence.

I was touched by the passion that was held by all who attended the event. We were there because we believe that these cuts are wrong and because we know people who are going to lose the vital care and support that they need to live happy and independent lives. People who attended the event left with added passion and the confidence to stand up for the rights of people with a learning disability.