In a blog post she wrote about the People’s Parliament Council Chambers Takeover and Leeds Learning Disability Pride March on Tuesday 17th June, our Project Worker Cheryl Ferris-Stewart shares her experience of the day.
Cheryl talks about what she learned and how both events helped to raise the voices of adults with learning disabilities in Leeds.
On Tuesday 17th June 2025, I had the privilege of photographing a meaningful and important event, The Leeds Learning Disability People’s Parliament Chambers Takeover. It was held from 10am to 12pm.
This event was part of Leeds Learning Disability Week, which runs from Monday 16th June to Sunday 22nd June. This was a key moment, with a group of adults with learning disabilities, service providers and local councillors coming together to shape a more inclusive city.
Welcoming the new Lord Mayor
The event began with a warm welcome from Cllr Dan Cohen, the newly-appointed Lord Mayor of Leeds. He joined us for the first hour. Cllr Cohen set the tone with an opening speech that was all about the importance of listening to voices of people lived experience.
“Nothing is more important than hearing voices. What can we do better? Today, and in future meetings, we will achieve this by learning from and with those voices,”, he said.
Our own Em Pearson chaired the People’s Parliament with Sharon Burke, an Advonet Group Trustee and a member of staff from Leeds Involving People.
This year’s theme for Learning Disability Week is “Do you see me?”. A powerful reminder that visibility and being heard are vital to change.
Spotlight on Being Me Strategy Task Groups
Cath Lee from the Being Safe Task Group shared the progress made on three key safety initiatives.
- Police community safety event at Elland Road
- Travel Safety campaign
- Addressing hate and mate crime, with funding secured for the Real Friends programme
David Crake Represented the Being Connected – Travel Task Group and Adult Social Care Travel Project.
Highlights from him included:
- The success of the travel task group, with 10 travel ambassadors trained, providing peer support.
- Digital inclusion work, which is helping people to navigate tech and apps independently.
Sarah Wheatley, from Connect in the North and Co-Chair of the Being Social Task Group, showcased a vibrant slide show of their events, from market trips and marches to cinema outings, proving how connection and joy go hand-in-hand.
Dominique Burley from Forum Central spoke on the work that she completed as Chair of the Employment Task Group, before this role was passed on to Asking You! at the start of 2025. She talked about:
- Tailored roles for people with learning disabilities
- The innovative “Backwards Recruitment Fair”, where jobseekers host stalls and employers approached them
- Ongoing challenges with digital exclusion in recruitment processes
Though unable to attend in person, Rachel Davis (NHS Learning Disabilities and Autism Team) sent an update from the Being Well Task Group. Work is underway across Leeds Hospitals to:
- Develop sensory guides
- Promote Health Passports, with Support Available to fill them out
Raising the Right Questions
A series of carefully prepared questions were put to councillors, tackling real barriers that people with learning disabilities face in areas like:
- Access to gyms and affordable sports
- Booking GP appointments
- Safety on public transport
- Setting up peer support groups
- Digital exclusion in job hunting
- Disability awareness training for bus drivers and the police
- Friendship and social groups
- Long-term employment opportunities
- Interview training and job support for those over 25
The group then opened the floor for questions from other attendees; a powerful space were real stories and pressing concerns were voiced. Highlights included:
- Accessibility of disabled bus passes before 9:30am (a question met with applause)
- Concerns over unhelpful drivers
- The need for follow-ups when complaints are made to local transport providers
- Funding cuts affecting access areas at events like Leeds Pride
- Delays in Social Workers’ responses (with some waiting over two years)
Practical suggestions were also shared, such as applying for wellbeing funding through local councillors or checking resources like “Through the Maze” for social group information.
Following a recent conversation with a councillor at the Council Chambers Takeover, which was about accessibility at Leeds Pride, I was pleased to receive a response outlining some thoughtful developments for this year’s event.
Pride is partnering with Pride Place, located on Heatons Court—a quieter spot within the main site. This space is designed to offer a calmer atmosphere with activities, making it ideal for those who may find the main event overwhelming. You can find out more at prideplace.org.uk.
In addition, there’s exciting news about a new family area on the west side of the site. It will include seating, face painting, craft activities, and a quiet gazebo -creating a more inclusive and relaxed environment for families and anyone needing a break from the crowds.
It’s encouraging to see accessibility and inclusion being taken seriously, and I look forward to seeing these changes in action.
A heartfelt farewell
The event ended with a touching moment as Cllr Kevin Ritchie, a dedicated disability champion, announced he would be stepping down from his role. Known for his genuine advocacy and tireless support, Kevin received a double standing ovation, which you can see by playing the video below.
His role will now be led by a larger team including Cllr Fiona Venner.
Final thoughts
This Council Chambers Takeover wasn’t just a symbolic gesture, it was a living, breathing example of what happens when people with learning disabilities lead the conversation. From raising difficult questions to celebrating community achievement, the event was a powerful reminder that progress comes from listening, learning and taking action together.
The day ended with a powerful moment of solidarity and celebration, The Learning Disability Pride March. We walked from Leeds Civic Hall to Kirkgate Market, with learning disabled people proudly making their voices heard. People on the street clapped and cheered. It was a bold statement of visibility, pride and celebration.
“We are here, We are proud”
As someone documenting the day, I felt truly honoured, not only to capture an “inspiring” event, but to witness a community claiming space, setting the agenda and demanding lasting change.
