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Supported Loving’s ‘Shout About Sex’ conference champions the rights of people with learning disabilities
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People with learning disabilities, family members, support workers and sector leaders came together at the Shout About Sex in Supported Loving conference, hosted by Choice Support, to have open and honest conversations about relationships, sex and rights.
Too often, people with learning disabilities are excluded from discussions about sex and relationships or provided with information that is inaccessible and difficult to understand. This can leave people feeling confused, unsupported and unable to exercise their rights. Shout About Sex aims to change that by creating a safe and inclusive space for learning, discussion and advocacy.
The conference featured a programme of talks, interactive workshops and information stalls, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and build confidence in discussing relationships, choice, consent and sexuality without embarrassment or shame. It was delivered with the support of members of the Supported Loving network, including people with lived experience, practitioners, researchers and organisations from across the sector.
Supported Loving, part of Choice Support, is a human rights-based campaign and national network led by Dr Claire Bates. Through conferences, training and network meetings, the campaign works to ensure people with learning disabilities receive the support they need to experience safe, fulfilling relationships and to exercise their rights. The initiative grew from Dr Bates' PhD research, which found that many people with learning disabilities were not receiving appropriate support around relationships and sexuality.
Dr Claire Bates said:
"People wanted a place where they could come together and talk openly. We've moved beyond discussing best practice to helping shape it. People with learning disabilities, families, support workers and professionals can come here to learn, share experiences and have important conversations in a friendly, welcoming environment."
Representatives from Supported Loving and Labour MP Samantha Niblett, who launched the 'Yes Sex Please, We're British!' campaign, met to discuss how the government can do more to ensure that people with learning disabilities are supported to pursue intimate relationships if they choose.
Supported Loving's work has been supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.
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