Blog

Esther Springett

I am an advocate for my sister who has a learning disability and has lived in residential group homes. I am interested in how we make inclusive spaces which lead to greater visibility for people with complex support needs in social, civic and cultural life. I am a co-director of one of Feeling at Home’s project partners Quiet Down There who are developing the Feeling at Home photovoice exhibition, which opens in July 2022 in, Brighton. Quiet Down There specialises in amplifying the everyday and believe that culture is everywhere and everyone creates culture in their own way. They create and support environments where individuals, artists and communities can articulate and develop their own culture – making the invisible visible.

Dr Tony Levitan

I have worked in the NHS as a psychologist for nearly 10 years. My work has mainly been with adults and children with learning disabilities, helping people have a good quality of life.

Over the years I have visited people in their homes where people have staff support. This has made me think about how to help people feel more at home where they live. I am really interested in how people with learning disabilities can be more involved in health and social care services. In my clinical role, I have worked alongside people with learning disabilities to co-facilitate groups to support people with their mental health.

I am really excited to work on the Feeling at Home project and hope it will help people with learning disabilities and their supporters work together to make positive changes to their homes.

Shalim Ali

I work as an Expert by Experience and Quality Checker for Choice Support – a charity that supports people with autism, learning disabilities, and mental health needs. I also have experience living in group homes with other people with learning disabilities. I’m really excited about bringing all this experience and my ideas to the project. I am a trustee for Heart ‘n Soul, a creative arts organisation for people with learning disabilities, and am a member of Learning Disability England Ideas Collective. I am really committed to supporting others with learning disabilities to have a voice.