We are a social enterprise with added value. We reinvest the surplus we generate into providing pro bono work to further our mission to create a more inclusive world.
At a Glance
Recognising that historically there have been barriers for people with learning disabilities and autism to engage in relationships of choice and explore gender identity, Sunderland People First contacted us with an opportunity to give back by providing a safe and accessible training session with a follow up workshop, to provide self advocates with increased awareness and understanding about sexual orientation and gender identity.
About Sunderland People First
Sunderland People First was established in 1994, it is a Sunderland based self advocacy group for people with learning difficulties and autism. They work with services such as Sunderland City Council, Sunderland ICB, NHS England, Northumbria Police and other voluntary sector organisations to drive forward positive change. Achieving this through consultation, co-production, promoting national and local campaigns and giving people a collective voice.
Challenges and Objectives
It was really important that the awareness raising training was provided in a safe and accessible environment where questions, comments and concerns could be encouraged and welcomed as an opportunity to learn from each other. The follow-up workshop provided another opportunity, several week after the initial awareness raising training, to discuss any subsequent issues or questions from the self advocacy group.
“Lucy and Karen provided an excellent training session. They thoroughly explained words and terminology so that everyone understood. It was engaging and informative, everyone enjoyed it.”
Andrew Fox, Development Worker, Sunderland People First
Solution
By creating an inclusive, safe and accessible training environment and then follow up workshop, everyone felt comfortable to ask questions and learn from each other. Terminology and new words were thoroughly explained to demystify content that was new to people and the use of a quiz helped to embed the learning.
Impact
The self advocates valued the relaxed way in which the training was delivered. Taking a measure of confidence from participants at the start and again at the end of the session demonstrated the increased levels of confidence and awareness people. And, as the zoom photo below shows, everyone enjoyed it!
