AFFINITY TRUST

As a charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, physical disabilities and other complex needs, Affinity Trust welcomes and supports today’s recognition from the Prime Minister that social care reform can no longer wait. This follows clear calls from across the sector for the Casey Commission to report sooner, so that long overdue reform can begin in earnest. The direction of travel set out today is encouraging. It is right to recognise that the NHS cannot succeed unless social care is reformed, but it is also important that social care is not seen only through the lens of reducing pressure on hospitals. Its purpose is far bigger - enabling people to live good ordinary lives with choice, dignity, relationships, independence and the right support at the right time. For the people we support good social care means having a home, building meaningful relationships, contributing to the community and making choices about the support they receive. Reform must now be matched by sustained action, long-term investment and genuine engagement with people who draw on support, their families, providers and commissioners. It must also recognise and value the social care workforce whose skill, compassion, and commitment make good support possible every day. At Affinity Trust we stand ready to work constructively with government and partners across the sector to help shape reforms that enable people to live their lives they choose. AFFINITY TRUST

As a charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, physical disabilities and other complex needs, Affinity Trust welcomes and supports today’s recognition from the Prime Minister that social care reform can no longer wait. This follows clear calls from across the sector for the Casey Commission to report sooner, so that long overdue reform can begin in earnest. The direction of travel set out today is encouraging. It is right to recognise that the NHS cannot succeed unless social care is reformed, but it is also important that social care is not seen only through the lens of reducing pressure on hospitals. Its purpose is far bigger - enabling people to live good ordinary lives with choice, dignity, relationships, independence and the right support at the right time. For the people we support good social care means having a home, building meaningful relationships, contributing to the community and making choices about the support they receive. Reform must now be matched by sustained action, long-term investment and genuine engagement with people who draw on support, their families, providers and commissioners. It must also recognise and value the social care workforce whose skill, compassion, and commitment make good support possible every day. At Affinity Trust we stand ready to work constructively with government and partners across the sector to help shape reforms that enable people to live their lives they choose. AFFINITY TRUST

Meet Ciara, Mencap amazing Engagement Lead 👋 Watch as she shares what she loves doing and challenges assumptions people with learning disabilities often face. The beauty of this is that everyone is different and has a different experience of living, and that's perfectly okay. What myths do you bust? 💬

There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK. 📊 But sadly, they have fewer chances to take part in leisure activities or socialise with their peers, and so may have fewer friends. And being physically present in a community doesn't necessarily mean people with a learning disability feel integrated within the community or accepted by their peers. Social inclusion involves making meaningful connections and participating in fulfilling activities. 💜 We want people with a learning disability to be able to develop and maintain friendships and enjoy their social life with the support and welcome they need to do this. For this to happen ➡️ Read about our community based support here: https://bit.ly/4tyTMbY

It’s Disability Pride Month 💙 A time to recognise and celebrate the strength, creativity and achievements of people with disabilities, while continuing to challenge the barriers and attitudes that impact everyday life. It’s also an opportunity to build understanding, raise awareness and encourage more open, positive conversations about disability. What’s one thing you wish people understood about your own or someone you know’s learning disability? 💬 Pictured is Greg who we support in Shipley, having the best time at Leeds Pride a couple of years ago. Colourful, confident, and completely himself. 🏳️🌈

According to the 2024-25 Adult Social Care Activity Report, only 6% of people with a learning disability known to their local authority are in work. Yet through our work, we know many people with a learning disability would like a job. Employing people with a learning disability changes lives and is good for business. Take the North Star pub in Brighton for example! It’s a place of warmth, laughter, great food, and delicious drinks, all with a refreshing difference. Behind the bar, in the kitchen, and serving tables, there are people with learning disabilities and autism navigating the world of work. Growing their confidence and their futures. 💜 Part of Team Domenica, every visit helps create opportunities for young people with learning disabilities and autism to thrive. Are there any opportunities like this where you live? Tell us about any local to you in the comments 📍

Co-production Week may be over, but the conversations don’t stop there 💜 Over the past week, we’ve been reflecting on what we already know - that co-production, when done meaningfully, plays a big role in moving us closer to support equity. Impactful change happens when people are heard, valued and involved in decisions about their own lives. Co-production isn’t new but continuing to listen, learn and act on what people tell us is what makes the difference. What’s one thing you’re taking forward from Co-production Week? 💬 #CoProductionWeek

Like Ewen’s trip to the hairdressers, trying something new can feel like a big step. It may even take days, months or years. But with patience, trust and understanding, experiences like these can become positive, confidence-building experiences. Every step forward looks different for everyone, and that’s exactly how it should be 💗 Have you had a similar experience? Tell us about it in the comments. 📸 @ewenandme

For some people with learning disabilities, recognising or communicating when something feels wrong or different isn’t always easy. That’s why annual health checks are so important. 💡 They can help identify health needs that might otherwise go unnoticed, including serious conditions. During the check, the healthcare professional will ask the person about their lifestyle; what food they eat, whether they drink or smoke, and what exercise they do. Then the healthcare professional may recommend health tests, check for other illnesses and ask about known problems such as epilepsy. It’s important that the person going for the check feels as relaxed as possible, is given time to talk about their concerns, and has someone present that they trust to support them if they choose. Here's how you can support making it a positive experience 👉

How Affinity Trust’s Co-production team is tackling health inequalities together. As we mark Co-production Week 2026 and this year's theme, Care Equity: Who Gets Care?, we're highlighting one of the priorities identified by our Affinity Trust Co-production (ACT) team: improving access to annual health checks for people with learning disabilities and autism. Evidence from the LeDeR programme continues to show the stark inequalities people with learning disabilities experience, including significantly higher rates of avoidable deaths. Annual health checks are an important opportunity to identify health concerns early, yet too many eligible people still miss out. At Affinity Trust, people with lived experience are leading this work. Through partnerships with organisations including Mencap and NHS Grampian, creating accessible resources, and championing more inclusive approaches to healthcare, our ACT members are helping to remove barriers and influence meaningful change. Read insights from our Co-production Lead Sarah Holmes FRSA to learn more about the importance of annual health checks and how we’re working in partnership with people we support to advocate for improved outcomes. 🔗 Read the blog: https://bit.ly/4yaastd #CoProWeek2026 #CoProductionWeek #CareEquity #LearningDisability #Autism #HealthInequalities #SocialCare #CoProduction #TogetherWeMakeItPossible