Sophie’s story

Empowering voices at the Learning Disability England conference

We believe in empowering individuals to find their voice and engage meaningfully with their communities. When Sophie joined us with her support worker, Phoebe, she was eager to explore opportunities for self-advocacy. We recognised her passion and discussed attending the Learning Disability England Conference in Leeds, which turned out to be a pivotal moment for Sophie’s self-advocacy. 

On February 7th, Sophie travelled to the conference with Phoebe and Clara, our dedicated Inclusion Coordinator. Thanks to a first-class upgrade, she had the perfect environment to prepare her thoughts and focus on her message, essential for someone navigating memory challenges. At the conference, Sophie selected workshops centred on inclusion in organisations and the “My Vote, My Voice” campaign, which addresses the barriers people with learning disabilities face in voting. Her active participation and passionate sharing captivated fellow attendees, leading to meaningful conversations during breaks. 

This transformative experience not only broadened Sophie’s understanding of social care issues but also ignited a determination to make a difference. She’s now inspired to participate in elections, fully aware of the power of her voice. This was just the beginning of Sophie’s journey toward self-advocacy, and we’re excited to support her as she seeks more opportunities to shine. 

At Options, we’re passionate and dedicated to supporting people to self advocate, helping them navigate their paths and amplify their voices.