16/06/2026
To celebrate , Becky Williamson (Teaching Fellow and RNLD) hosted a Lived Experience Talking Café, bringing together students, staff, people with learning disabilities, families and advocates to share experiences, ask questions and learn from one another.
At the heart of the event was a simple belief: the voices of people with learning disabilities and those closest to them should help shape the education of future healthcare professionals. Some of the most powerful learning comes not from textbooks, but from hearing directly about people's experiences of healthcare, what has worked well, and what still needs to change.
Through conversations about communication, diagnostic overshadowing, inclusion and health needs, attendees were encouraged to reflect on how small changes in practice can have a significant impact on the lives of people with learning disabilities.
Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and experiences so openly and honestly. Your insight challenged us, inspired us and helped us better understand what good healthcare looks like.
Because sometimes the most important thing we can do as healthcare professionals is stop, listen and learn.
💜 Voices. Experiences. Inclusion.
A big thank you to our guest speakers, Gerard McWilliamson (honorary lecturer), Patrina Loughran (RNLD) and Ciara Hughes (Lead Nurse) both nurses work within the Southern HSCT
A special thank you for our student volumeters, Lauen Holland and Katie McCrea, both second year learning disability student nurses. Finally thank you to Mairead Ryan and the rest of the QUBSONM staff for your support.