What we do

Policy and Campaigns

Voice UK has always been very aware of the injustices that many people with learning disabilities face and we are determined in using our experience and knowledge to campaign for change. We know from many of the clients with whom we have contact that people with learning disabilities sometimes have difficulties in getting access to justice – perhaps they are not treated properly by the police or find it hard to get someone to take them seriously when a crime has happened to them. Our policy and campaigns work focuses on injustices in the legal system, measures to prevent abuse and on making sure that those who are employed to work with people with learning disabilities are suitable to do so. For more information, please see the Public Policy and Campaigns section.

Legal Advisors

VOICE UK can put people in touch with lawyers who specialise in dealing with cases of abuse and crimes against people with learning disabilities. If the staff at VOICE UK can't help, they will try to find someone who can.

VOICE UK can provide information and advice about your rights and responsibilities under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Voice UK All Party Parliamentary Group

The Voice UK All Party Parliamentary Group brings to the attention of both Houses of Parliament the needs of people with learning disabilities who have experienced crime or abuse. It also discusses redress for such victims as well as changes in public policy to uphold the rights of victims with learning disabilities and prevent crime. The Group is chaired by Annette Brooke MP and holds meetings throughout the year. Please see the All Party Parliamentary Group section for more details.

Training

VOICE UK's training is uniquely informed by years of experience of working with people with learning disabilities who've been abused or experienced crime, as well as their families, carers and professional workers. We offer a wide range of training which is designed to meet the needs of different organisations and groups. We also provide speakers for conferences or seminars.

For example, we are providing training to the Metropolitan Police and other Police authorities about the needs of people with learning disabilities. We have also delivered Adult Protection training to national care service providers.

There are no excuses for not knowing the law. There are no excuses for not knowing what to do when abuse or a crime has been committed against a person with learning disabilities.

Advocacy

At VOICE UK we work hard to find the right advocate for people with learning disabilities or their family and carers. We are trying to build a network of advocates for people with learning disabilities who can support people to get access to the criminal justice system.