Learning Disability Week returns to Barnsley town centre next week

Our town centre is set to be filled with a series of fun events, taster sessions and informative workshops next week as we celebrate Learning Disability Week in Barnsley.

Building on the success of last year’s festivities, we’re working with our partners to create even more ways to celebrate the skills and creativity of our learning disability community.

Taking place from Monday 16 June to Friday 20 June, our exciting line-up of free events will span the Library @ the Lightbox, The Glass Works Square and The Civic.

Each day, we will be challenging common myths and showcasing the talents of people with learning disabilities through sport, creativity, health and community.

Inspired by this year’s theme of being seen, heard and valued, we have a wide range of activities planned, including:

Monday 16 June

• Try to beat Toby Tyke in a penalty shootout, try your hand at karate and discover other fun ways to stay active in The Glass Works Square.
• Join us in the Library @ the Lightbox for cooking demonstrations from FareShare Yorkshire and learn CPR at the Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s drop-in sessions.

Tuesday 17 June

• Register to vote and find out how you can have your say, including a morning workshop with our Safeguarding Adults Board, at the Library @ the Lightbox.
• While you’re there, you can also meet the new Mayor of Barnsley and get financial advice from our More Money in Your Pocket team.

Wednesday 18 June

• Get creative at the Library @ the Lightbox with the Beyond Words Book Club at 11am and free creative workshops throughout the day. Barnsley Museums will also be offering a sneak peek into their exhibitions with 360 tours and interactive sessions.
• We’re proudly showcasing the creativity of local people with learning disabilities with a special performance from the Cross the Sky Theatre Company at The Civic at 1pm.

Thursday 19 June

• We’re launching Barnsley’s new Universal Health Passport. Be among the first to fill out yours by joining us at the Library @ the Lightbox, helping you get the right care for you.
• While you’re there, get a free blood pressure check from our award-winning How’s Thi Ticker team, learn more about getting vaccinated and speak to our partners for health and wellbeing advice, helping you to continue living well.

Friday 20 June

• End the week by rocking out to live music from Ultimate Thunder and a daytime disco at The Civic, starting at 1pm. Tickets for this event cost £8 and include free entry for two carers per person. Book your place by visiting The Civic’s website.
• Pop along to Compass House to speak to Mencap’s local Barnsley team and share your views. They will be available from 10.30am until 12.30pm.

Our award-winning Supported Employment team will also be running taster sessions on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Working with local businesses, these sessions will provide local people with learning disabilities and Autism a chance to experience the benefits of work.

Throughout the week, colouring cubes will be available in the Alhambra, allowing everyone to express their creative side, with colouring sessions at 11am and 2pm daily.

Learn more about what’s planned by following our Healthy Barnsley Facebook page.

Councillor Jo Newing, Executive Director for Place Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We’re committed to making sure all our residents can live life in good health, in communities where everyone is seen, heard and valued. It’s therefore great to see so many fun, free activities planned to celebrate Learning Disability Week in Barnsley.

“Whether you’re moving more in The Glass Works Square, trying something new at the Library @ the Lightbox or enjoying a daytime disco in The Civic, our schedule of events would not be possible without our brilliant health and care partnerships. Join us next week at one of our events and help us celebrate the skills and creativity of our learning disability community.”

Organised by Mencap, we’re excited to join organisations across the country in proudly supporting this year’s Learning Disability Week.

Any organisations or groups organising their own events to celebrate are encouraged to use #LearningDisabilityWeek on their social media channels to join in the conversation.