They will be joined by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Anne Castle, other councillors, VIP guests from the public sector, representatives from learning disability services and their supporters, to hear speeches by people with a learning disability about the issues that matter most to them. They will also take the opportunity to question councillors about their roles and discuss how they can improve links with each other.
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Media are welcome to attend Take 2, the Great Council Chamber Takeover event on Monday 18 June, 10am to 12.30pm at Leeds Civic Hall by prior arrangement.
There will be an opportunity to take photographs and time allocated at the end to speak to delegates, organisers and councillors.
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A steering group of people with a learning disability has devised the event in partnership with the council, Mencap and Tenfold, the learning disability voluntary sector forum for Leeds.
Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, executive board member responsible for adult social care said:
“This event is a great opportunity for people with a learning disability to get a feel for how decisions are made in local government, and I hope it will give them more of an interest in local politics and encourage them to use their vote.
“I strongly believe that in order to feel empowered and confident about tackling issues people need to have a good understanding about how power works. I hope that this second council chamber takeover day will help to achieve this and encourage people to get more involved in local politics.”
Susan Hanley, co-chair of the Learning Disability Partnership Board said:
"It’s a big honour to be given the chamber for our event. It shows that our opinions matter and it helps us get the message across to people who can improve life for people with a learning disability."
This event marks the start of a busy week (18 to 24 June) that includes the launch of a new safe places scheme for people with a learning disability, an evening of Midsummer’s night magic at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, possibly the biggest picnic ever seen at Temple Newsam House and a free rugby skills workshop with Leeds Rhinos players. There is an exhibition of art produced by people with a learning disability called Imagine 2012 in the Art Space at Leeds City Library until 29 June.
For more information about events taking place during Learning Disability Awareness Week in Leeds, please visit www.throughthemaze.org.uk
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Additional info
About learning disability
A learning disability is caused during or shortly after birth. It is always lifelong and affects someone's intellectual and social development. It used to be called mental handicap but this term is outdated and offensive. Learning disability is not a mental illness. The term learning difficulty is often incorrectly used interchangeably with learning disability.
For media enquiries, please contact;
Claire Macklam, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 395 1578
Email: claire.macklam@leeds.gov.uk
