On 27th September, The Outstanding Society hosted an insightful meeting with three people who receive support from provider LDC Care. Here, two of their Directors, explain more.
The meeting, held at the Howden head offices in London, offered a rare and meaningful experience for the participants, all of whom live with learning disabilities or autism and receive paid support from LDC Care. Following the meeting, drinks on Howden’s stunning rooftop terrace further underscored the sense of inclusion and celebration felt by everyone.
This conversation was part of the ongoing efforts to prepare for the upcoming roundtable at the Care Show in Birmingham, where sector leaders, policymakers, and service users discussed the need for specialist LGBTQ+ training in adult social care. The perspectives shared by the people who receive support were not only powerful but essential in shaping the agenda of this groundbreaking discussion. Having participated in London Pride earlier this year, where adult social care was represented in full for the first time, these individuals have been at the forefront of a movement to make social care more inclusive.
Key Insights from people who receive support:
The service users raised several important points that highlight the significance of LGBTQ+ specific training in the care sector:
Inclusion is Empowering:
The people who receive support spoke passionately about how being involved in this conversation made them feel truly included. “This is very important and makes us feel included,” one of them expressed, emphasising that they are not separate from care; they are an integral part of it. This sentiment reinforces the need to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals with learning disabilities or autism are given a voice in shaping the care they receive.
Avoiding Stereotypes:
One of the most powerful points raised was the desire for care and support that does not box them into limiting definitions of what it means to be LGBTQ+. “So much of what people know about being LGBTQ+ can box you in,” they said, highlighting the need for care workers who avoid assumptions and instead offer personalised support. They want to be seen as individuals, not as stereotypes, and stressed how important it is that they are not “othered” in their care settings.
Education and Understanding:
Another critical insight was the need for deeper understanding of what LGBTQ+ means and the various definitions and identities it encompasses. The participants felt that many people, including care providers, lack a comprehensive understanding of the LGBTQ+ community and what it means to each individual. This lack of understanding can lead to inadequate or insensitive care, which is why specialist training is crucial. “It’s not just to see; it’s to understand,” they explained.
Safety and Allyship:
People who receive support shared concerns about feeling safe and supported in public. They want to feel confident that their care team, carers, or support workers not only have their safety in mind but are also proud to be allies. Proper training, they emphasized, would empower care staff to be more than just caretakers—they would be advocates for their safety and dignity. Better training means they can “be themselves” without feeling limited by a lack of understanding from those who care for them.
Fairness and Consistency:
The participants also highlighted the inconsistency they have witnessed across different services. “We’ve seen so many services act so differently, so having a standard would make it fair for all service users,” one of them noted. A consistent, regulated standard of LGBTQ+ training would ensure that all individuals, regardless of where they receive care, are treated with the same level of respect, dignity, and understanding.
The Right to Adventure, Not Roadblocks:
One poignant remark was, “I have a future and a life. I want adventure, not roadblocks.” This powerful statement underscores the broader message: LGBTQ+ individuals in adult social care should have the right to live full, adventurous lives without facing barriers imposed by ignorance or outdated care practices.
Trauma and Consent:
The service users also emphasized that many LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced trauma in their lives. They felt that training should address this aspect and help care workers identify trauma and provide appropriate support. Additionally, understanding elements around consent and how an LGBTQ+ person may want to be treated and communicated with is critical. These nuances are essential for fostering a care environment that is both safe and affirming.
A Special and Rare Experience:
For the three people who receive support, being invited to such a prestigious space, followed by drinks on the rooftop terrace of the Howden offices, was a rare and special experience. It underscored the importance of creating environments where individuals feel valued and celebrated. The fact that they were given the opportunity to share their thoughts in such a setting highlights the commitment of The Outstanding Society Diversity Forum to ensuring that all voices are heard, especially those of individuals who are often marginalized in conversations about care.
Looking Forward to the Roundtable:
Now that the roundtable at the Care Show in Birmingham has taken place, the insights shared by the individuals receiving support have been instrumental in shaping the discussion. Their desire for fair, inclusive, and understanding care has guided the conversation among sector leaders, policymakers, and campaigners as they united to advocate for the urgently needed mandatory LGBTQ+ training.
The future of adult social care, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals with learning disabilities and autism, hinges on ensuring that their unique needs are understood, respected, and met with the highest standard of care. And it is voices like theirs that will help pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive care system.
