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Shining the Spotlight on Learning Disability Week

18 Jun, 2025
Shining the Spotlight on Learning Disability Week

Every June, we celebrate Learning Disability Week. It’s that time again, and there are lots of activities and events to get involved with, as well as opportunities to support and donate to learning disability charities. With all of that in mind, we’re shining the spotlight on the week, looking at what it is and what this year’s theme is all about.

We’ve also found lots of ways for you to get involved up and down the country. From award ceremonies and theatre performances to sports, picnics and BBQs, there’s something for everyone. Make sure you check out the list of events and activities.

What Is Learning Disability Week?

Learning Disability Week is a special event organised every year by the learning disability charity Mencap. It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness about different learning disabilities. It often focuses on what life is like for someone with a learning disability. It also gives us the opportunity to celebrate how people with a learning disability contribute to society.

Mencap organises some events, but it also provides activity packs for other organisations to host events and find different ways to celebrate. The week of events is a good prompt to start a discussion about learning disabilities and how we can work to challenge the barriers that people face. So - if you're considering a role in social care, why not have a look to see whether any organisations in your area are hosting events and activities you can get involved in.

This Year’s Theme

Each year, the week has a different theme. That sends the focus in a particular direction, making it possible to highlight the many aspects of learning disabilities. The theme for 2025 is “Do you see me?” All of the events and celebrations focus on making sure that people with a learning disability are seen.

It’s about more than being seen, though. The events also focus on hearing what people have to say, and including everyone in events, the conversation, decisions, and more. Another important part of the theme is valuing people with a learning disability in all aspects of life. After all, society is much richer with people with learning disabilities in it.

Get Involved

There are lots of ways to get involved in Learning Disability Week. We’ve outlined a few below and listed some events from around the country.

Talk About It

One of the best ways to celebrate is to talk about the special things that people with learning disabilities do in your community. Share it with Mencap, friends, work colleagues and on social media. If you don’t have a story, this week is an excellent opportunity to listen to others and learn more.

Campaign and Fundraise

If you like to get active, you can do some fundraising to support this amazing cause. This year, Mencap has organised an event called One Big Walk. The aim is to walk 1.5 million steps to raise funds and awareness. You can register to take part in the challenge for September 2025.

Attend and Share These Events

This Week, there are events taking place up and down the country. You can check out your town or city’s events to see what’s on or check the social media pages of any local organisations or charities. We’ve picked out some exciting events from the north, south, east and west of England.

Leeds

Leeds is hosting several events throughout the week, including a Council Chambers takeover and a pride march from the Civic Hall to Leeds City Museum. Check out these other events.

  • Thursday 19th June - Aspire Customer Awards, Leeds

  • Thursday 19th June - Being Social Marketplace, Kirkgate Market, Leeds

  • Friday 20th June - Picnic in the Park at Temple Newsam, Leeds

Newham

Newham Council are taking the lead on the Learning Disability Week events in this part of Greater London. There’s a full programme of activities that runs into the following week. That includes a learning and skills coffee morning and an inclusive faith service. Here are our highlights.

  • Thursday 19th June - Celebration BBQ, Chargeable Lane, Newham

  • Thursday 19th June - DJ Workshop, Plaistow Library, Newham

  • Thursday 26th and Friday 27th June - East London Shakespeare Festival performance of As You Like It, Central Park, East Ham

  • Sunday 29 June - Get Into Dance Festival, Sadlers Wells East, Newham

Norwich

Norfolk Integrated Care System and Voluntary Norfolk have teamed up for a brilliant initiative. Their Wellness on Wheels bus takes trips all around the county, and now it's making a special stop in Norwich for Learning Disability Week.

  • Thursday 19th to Friday 20th June, Wellness on Wheels Bus, Outside County Hall, Norwich

Salford

Salford City Council is supporting Learning Disability Week. It has partnered with Northern Care Alliance to focus on health and fun activities for people with learning disabilities, their families and carers. The programme includes exercise and relaxation sessions as well as social events. Here are just some of the activities planned.

  • Thursday 19th June - ICE Group Social Club, Pendlebury

  • Friday 20th June - Snowsports at The Trafford Centre

  • Friday 20th June - DIY Theatre Presents…Film Screening, The Angel Centre, Salford

Whether you're actively job hunting or simply exploring what's out there, Learning Disability Week is a great reminder that employment should be inclusive, accessible, and meaningful for everyone.