To celebrate Learning Disability Week 2024, Golden Lane Housing (GLH) hosted its own version of the BBC’s The Assembly. The programme featured actor Michael Sheen being interviewed by a group of people with learning disabilities, autistic people and neurodivergent people.

A group of GLH tenants and colleagues –  who have learning disabilities and/or are neurodivergent – grilled John Verge, Chief Executive at GLH, about everything from living in Wales, his career and hobbies to if he’d apply for MasterChef and whether he does any gardening. Members of the interview panel also shared more about themselves, and a couple of poetry readings were thrown in, along with some football chat!

It was fantastic session and reminded us that we are all human – we all have different strengths, likes and goals, and ultimately, showed the power of how simple conversations are vital to building relationships.

John said: “This year’s theme for Learning Disability Week led by Mencap was “Do you see me?” and it was great to see last week all the examples of the work we are doing to make sure our tenants are seen, heard and valued.  It was great to be joined during Learning Disability Week at our latest We are GLH call by members of the More Voices, More Choices tenant group. Thank you to everybody involved.” 

Thank you to our panel, John and everyone who joined us for making the session such a success – and to Michael Sheen and the BBC for inspiring our session.