This week, 16–22 June 2025, marks Learning Disability Week – an annual campaign led by Mencap to shine a light on the experiences of people living with a learning disability. As the week comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on why this awareness is essential, and how we at Braeburn Care are putting inclusion in action every day.
Supporting individuals with learning disabilities is a core part of our commitment as a provider of high-quality, personalised care services in Kent and East Sussex. Through our work in communities including Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, and Crowborough, we are privileged to support people living with learning disabilities – helping them live safer, fuller, more independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.
Why Learning Disability Week Matters
Learning Disability Week isn’t just about raising awareness – it’s about listening, amplifying voices, and addressing the real, persistent barriers that many people with learning disabilities still face. These can include:
- Difficulty accessing health and social care tailored to their needs
- Lack of inclusive employment opportunities or workplace support
- Limited accessible housing and flexible care options
- Social isolation, which can impact mental health and wellbeing
- Public misunderstanding about what learning disabilities are – and are not
This year’s theme, “Do you see me?”, is about making sure that people with a learning disability are seen, heard, included, and valued in all aspects of life.
Learning Disability week is an opportunity to shine a light and celebrate the things that people with a learning disability do, improve general awareness of what good health care looks like, celebrate individual achievements and challenge barriers that people with a learning disability face.
What Is a Learning Disability?
A learning disability is not a mental health condition or a learning difficulty like dyslexia. It is a reduced intellectual ability that can affect a person’s capacity to understand new or complex information, learn new skills, or cope independently. The severity and specific challenges vary, but the need for compassionate, consistent, and tailored support is universal.
At Braeburn Care, we recognise that every individual is unique. That’s why we use a person-centred care approach in every aspect of our service – from companionship and daily living assistance to personal care and more specialised support.
How Braeburn Care Puts Inclusion in Action Every Day
Providing care for people with learning disabilities requires more than compassion – it requires understanding, flexibility, and a commitment to inclusion. Here’s how we strive to do just that:
- Individualised Support Plans – No two people are the same. That’s why every support plan we create is personalised to the customer’s preferences, goals, health needs, and lifestyle. We work closely with families and professionals to ensure each plan empowers independence while keeping safety and wellbeing at its heart.
- Promoting Everyday Skills and Confidence – Whether it’s preparing meals, maintaining a clean home, or attending community activities, our team provides practical support that builds life skills and confidence. We believe in doing with, not just for – encouraging self-reliance while offering reassurance and help where needed.
- Companionship and Connection – People with learning disabilities are at higher risk of loneliness and social isolation. Our companionship care services offer meaningful interaction, emotional support, and social inclusion. Whether it’s a chat over tea, a walk in the park, or assistance attending appointments, day services or events, we help our customers stay connected and valued.
- Family Collaboration and Peace of Mind – We understand how important it is for families to feel informed, involved, and reassured. We work in partnership with families and advocates to maintain open communication, adapt support as needs evolve, and ensure the person receiving care feels secure and understood.
- Training Our Team to Deliver Inclusive Care – All our Care Professionals receive robust induction and ongoing training, including sessions specific to learning disability awareness, communication techniques, dignity in care, and supporting independence. This ensures that our teams are confident, capable, and aligned with best practices.
Creating a More Inclusive Future
As a leading provider of home care in Kent and East Sussex, we know that change doesn’t happen overnight. But every interaction, every support plan, and every voice we listen to helps shape a more inclusive and compassionate future.
We also believe that inclusion is not just about the care we give – it’s about who we are as a company. That’s why we regularly review our practices, gather feedback from the people we support, and invest in the ongoing development of our staff. We are proud to be evolving as a forward-thinking care provider – one that puts people at the heart of everything we do.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Learning Disability Week may only last seven days, but the commitment to inclusion, dignity, and empowerment is lifelong. Whether you’re a family member seeking personalised home care support, a professional looking for collaborative care solutions, or someone with lived experience – we want to hear from you. Together, we can break down barriers, amplify voices, and build communities where everyone can thrive.
📍 Learn more about our services for people with learning disabilities and other care needs at:
🌐 www.braeburncare.co.uk
📞 Call us on 01892 577680
