Cross Government workshop:

Volunteering with people with learning disabilities

Designed for and by Government Departments and community partners working with adults with learning disabilities.

March 2010

DH Logo

ODI Logo

This workshop was Co-developed by Department of Health, Office for Disability Issues, and Time & Talents for Westminster in order to assist government departments think about PSA 16 targets with a focus on people with learning disabilities. The half day workshop demonstrated how volunteering can support Government Departments to use volunteering as a practical tool in developing a more responsive workforce by encouraging team building, boosting morale and building genuine links with the local communities being served.

An event outcome

Two week work placement at Department of Health for person with mild learning disabilities; read about it

The workshop was introduced by Jonathan Shaw, Minister for Disabled People and David Congdon, Mencap Head of Campaigns & Policy and was closed by Hugh Taylor, Department of Health Permanent Secretary. In between there were two workshops attended by all participants (see below) and an Open Space Discussion & Action Planning period to consolidate the day's learnings.

PSA16 commits government departments to increase the proportion of socially excluded adults in settled accommodation and employment, education or training. The focus of this first of four workshops was on volunteering with people with learning disabilities as they are amongst the groups whose voices are least heard, and often least understood.

Workshops

Each workshop ran for 45 minutes allowing participants to take part in both sessions

Workshop 1:

Our Choice (a team of people with learning disabilities who provide training and good practice advice) led a workshop looking at disability awareness.

PSA16 Workshop "Our choice was excellent. I learnt about what Our Choice do. It was a really good session with good interactions from those with disabilities. Brilliant." - Participants' feedback

Workshop 2

Practical Examplesof volunteering

ODI & Advocacy Project - Anti Bullying Case Study - Staff from ODI relayed their experiences of a volunteering project they did with a group of people with learning disabilities in Westminster, what they learned and how this has benefited both staff and the organisation. They will give you practical examples of how volunteering in this way can be successful, meet business objectives, and also be fun.
Time & Talents project examples

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