Lewisham Speaking Up is an advocacy organisation based in the London Borough of Lewisham. We pride ourselves in supporting people with learning disabilities to speak up, be heard, and have a stronger voice.
Please help us to save our biggest project: Lewisham People’s Parliament! Why? Lewisham Speaking Up works in partnership with people with learning disabilities and autistic people to give them as big a voice as possible. Through self-advocacy and 1-2-1 advocacy, we have been supporting people since 2005.
Our biggest project is the ‘People’s Parliament’ which urgently needs funding to continue. People with learning disabilities and autistic people deserve to be listened to as much as anyone else, but the cost-of-living crisis is making it harder to have a voice. The Parliament offers the opportunity for people to speak together about things that are important to them.
It’s all about bringing about change! These regular events are attended by 50 or more people with a learning disability or autism. They get the chance to speak up about important issues like the cost of living, health, housing, the environment, transport, jobs, friendships, or benefits. The People’s Parliament serves as a means to tell those in power what people with learning disabilities and autistic people want and need. Next year the Parliament will focus on helping people with the cost of living.
Our six Parliament Reps cannot work or get paid without your donations. Parliament Reps are people with learning disabilities or autistic people, who are paid the London Living wage to set up and run the Parliament events. They work hard to campaign with others on big issues that are difficult to change.
‘Lewisham Speaking Up really helps me be independent by finding out things that are going on in the borough and with the government. They help me know my rights and this gives me confidence.’ (one of our Participants)
Our vision is for a society where people with learning disabilities are listened to, recognised, respected, and included in all decisions about their lives. Please help us by donating to keep this vital platform for people who are otherwise rarely heard.