About Be Heard
In February 2007, Be Heard officially
opened its
doors as an independent self-advocacy and peer advocacy group for
adults with learning disabilities in Bracknell. This is the
newest of the three groups which comprise the umbrella of United
Voices. The group has grown since that date from just
eight
members to fifty, to become a recognised entity
that
works proactively to enrich members’ lives and raise awareness about
learning disabilities within the wider community.
Members of Be Heard know all too well how people with learning disabilities can fall through the cracks and not receive the services that they are entitled to and truly need. This can lead to a low quality of life overall, with people’s physical needs cared for to some extent, though their emotional/psychological needs neglected. This goes hand in hand with low self-esteem, something that is unfortunately all too common among the learning disabled. They can feel vulnerable and have trouble speaking up for themselves. Their lives can be controlled by the needs of others, not their needs. Be Heard helps members to achieve the confidence and gives them the skills to speak up. To ask to be treated the same as those without disabilities. To be treated with fairness and dignity by all whom they encounter in their personal lives and on a professional basis. To have their unique needs considered and respected. To speak up to gain control of their lives. To Be Heard.
Read what they have to say on the member pages, or better still come and meet the group and let them tell you personally!
LINkS committee membership
One member of Be Heard sits on local LINkS (Local Involvement Networks) comittee to represent the voice of the learning disabled and their concerns about health and social care. Read more...
Regional Forum 2009
Fourteen members of Be Heard attended the Southeast Regional Forum in Newbury to give feedback about Valuing People Now. Read more...
Swanwick Conference 2009
Six members of Be Heard attended a national workshop for people with learning disabilities. For photos and members' logs of their times there, click here...
Partnership with Thames Valley University
For the second year, Be Heard members are assisting with the Social Work course at Thames Valley University, including interviewing students, sharing experiences, and giving presentations about particular disabilities. Read more...
Opening of New
Internet Cafe
Following funding by..... Be Heard has recently opened an internet cafe in the Be Heard office for members to use. Read more...
2008 Advocacy Play
Several members of Be Heard have participated in a play about hate crime put on by United Voices in partnership with Thames Valley Police. Read more....
Let's Be Heard DVD
Be Heard members produced a DVD that dealt with important issues in the lives of people with learning disabilities. Read more...
Members of Be Heard know all too well how people with learning disabilities can fall through the cracks and not receive the services that they are entitled to and truly need. This can lead to a low quality of life overall, with people’s physical needs cared for to some extent, though their emotional/psychological needs neglected. This goes hand in hand with low self-esteem, something that is unfortunately all too common among the learning disabled. They can feel vulnerable and have trouble speaking up for themselves. Their lives can be controlled by the needs of others, not their needs. Be Heard helps members to achieve the confidence and gives them the skills to speak up. To ask to be treated the same as those without disabilities. To be treated with fairness and dignity by all whom they encounter in their personal lives and on a professional basis. To have their unique needs considered and respected. To speak up to gain control of their lives. To Be Heard.
Read what they have to say on the member pages, or better still come and meet the group and let them tell you personally!
Recent News and Achievements
LINkS committee membership
One member of Be Heard sits on local LINkS (Local Involvement Networks) comittee to represent the voice of the learning disabled and their concerns about health and social care. Read more...
Regional Forum 2009
Fourteen members of Be Heard attended the Southeast Regional Forum in Newbury to give feedback about Valuing People Now. Read more...
Swanwick Conference 2009
Six members of Be Heard attended a national workshop for people with learning disabilities. For photos and members' logs of their times there, click here...
Partnership with Thames Valley University
For the second year, Be Heard members are assisting with the Social Work course at Thames Valley University, including interviewing students, sharing experiences, and giving presentations about particular disabilities. Read more...
Following funding by..... Be Heard has recently opened an internet cafe in the Be Heard office for members to use. Read more...
2008 Advocacy Play
Several members of Be Heard have participated in a play about hate crime put on by United Voices in partnership with Thames Valley Police. Read more....
Let's Be Heard DVD
Be Heard members produced a DVD that dealt with important issues in the lives of people with learning disabilities. Read more...