News and events
Report by Baroness Sheila Hollins, published in November 2023, which focuses on people with a learning disability and/or autistic people who are detained in mental health and specialist learning disability hospitals. Please see these links:
Recent publications from Beyond Words
Loving Babies https://booksbeyondwords.co.uk/bookshop/loving-babies Follows from Having a Baby. It was created by a team of parents and professional experts to show the everyday experiences of parenting and to open conversations around it. The book shares stories about two babies and their families. We see the babies enjoying being with their parents and people they trust. We learn how parents respond to their babies’ cues and how good it is to feel supported as a parent.
Having a Baby https://booksbeyondwords.co.uk/bookshop/paperbacks/having-a-baby This book shares stories about two families. We meet them on their journey through pregnancy, childbirth and the exciting first few days of getting to know their new baby. Parents-to-be will find the stories helpful so they can think about what happens during pregnancy and childbirth.
Max Goes for a Check-Up https://booksbeyondwords.co.uk/bookshop/max-goes-for-a-check-up For children going to the doctor for the first time or who are shy or nervous about the experience, it can be hard to talk about their thoughts and feelings. This book shows Max and his mother going to the doctor. Feelings, information and consent are all explained.
When the War Came https://booksbeyondwords.co.uk/bookshop/when-the-war-came This word-free story tells of one family’s journey from Ukraine after war breaks out in their country. Children and adults who meet refugees and migrants in their schools and neighbourhoods will understand more about how it feels to leave home and family and move to a new country.
Lucy Goes Riding https://booksbeyondwords.co.uk/bookshop/lucy-goes-riding This story shows Lucy trying out horse riding for the first time. Friendships are made and strengthened, and horse riding looks like something Lucy will do again with her friends old and new.
A Refugee’s Story https://booksbeyondwords.co.uk/bookshop/paperbacks/a-refugees-story This story will enable refugees and asylum seekers to share their own stories about their homeland, their journeys and experiences, and will help build empathy and understanding amongst the communities who are welcoming.
Create a Beyond Words Book Club
Beyond Words Book Clubs are spaces where people with learning disabilities come together to make friends, have fun and tell their own stories. https://booksbeyondwords.co.uk/bciab
Financial crisis - these resources provide useful information.
Scope: free energy and water advice to disabled people https://www.scope.org.uk/disability-energy-support/......
Mencap: Easy read info, advice, and money help https://www.mencap.org.uk/help-with-food-energy-and-money .......
Thinking Works: Help to tackle fuel poverty https://www.thinkingworks.co.uk/
Down Syndrome legislation requires the government to publish guidance on the specific needs of people with Down syndrome and how those should be met. This incredible achievement is due to the perseverance of Heidi Crowter, Baroness Sheila Hollins, Dr Liam Fox MP, and other campaigners:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-60955917
and https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-london-61277596….
More information on Down Syndrome Act 2022 and on Mandatory Training in LD and Autism at https://www.herts.ac.uk/intellectualdisability/changing-values