In 2022, bemix launched Kent and Medway’s first ever leadership course for people with learning disabilities - ‘Be A Leader’.

Be A Leader is about giving people with learning disabilities the skills and knowledge to lead and govern. The terms ‘leadership’ and ‘learning disabilities’ are almost never used in the same sentence. 

But there are people with learning disabilities who can and do lead, who speak up to champion the rights of their peers, a group that is, too often, unseen and unheard. 

There are far too few leaders with learning disabilities in Kent and Medway, more of us are needed. Be A Leader was developed to answer that call for more leaders with learning disabilities.

 

 

About the Be A Leader course

bemix is proud to be the lead organisation facilitating Be A Leader, with Steve Chapman, Ann-Marie Lillis and Matt Clifton from bemix as course leaders for the class of 2023. Steve and Ann-Marie both have many years of lived experience of being a leader with learning disabilities in Kent and Medway. Steve was also a learner on ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders’ - a national leadership course that Be A Leader is based on. Matt has over 9 years' experience co-leading alongside people with learning disabilities in Kent.

The course is supported by Tricia Nicoll, course trainer and one of the creators of the original leadership course ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders’. 

Be A Leader is what Steve has been dreaming of and working towards for many years, and now, that vision has come to life.

 

 

In June 2022, we promoted the course across Kent and Medway, asking people to submit an application. We asked people to apply for a place on Be A Leader as a pair of co-learners - one person with learning disabilities, and one person without learning disabilities. Co-learners share a passion to change things for the better. Co-learners worked together as equals during the course and will continue their work together to change things for the better, beyond Be A Leader.   

During the course, learners covered modules in: history; law, policy and politics; education, health and social care; leadership; governance and media and communications. Students worked together and individually, completing projects throughout the year.

Throughout the course, guest speakers played a crucial role in sharing their experiences, learnings and guidance. We heard from a range of Experts by Experience, campaigners and leaders in health, education and government. These sessions gave learners important opportunities to ask questions about things that matter to them, and others. Guest speakers included Learning Disability England co-founder, Gary Bourlet, Head of Engagement at SeeAbility, Scott Watkin BEM, Mencap Engagement Lead, Ciara Lawrence and Labour MP for Canterbury, Rosie Duffield - and many more. 

 

 

The Be A Leader Graduation - an unforgettable day!

Having completed a year on the first ever leadership course for people with learning disabilities in Kent and Medway, the class of 2023 celebrated their accomplishments with a graduation ceremony! The event was held at The Gulbenkian on the University of Kent campus in Canterbury, just a short walk from our course venue at Canterbury Innovation Centre. 

Students celebrated their achievements with friends, family and colleagues, as well as course speakers, supporters and local leaders. In order to graduate, learners were tasked with developing a final project to present to guests during the graduation event. Each learner presented their vision for the future, their plan for making it happen and actions they had already taken.

 

 

The graduation was a truly joyful celebration and an opportunity for the future leaders of Kent and Medway to share their leadership aspirations and plans with members of the community. 

Our video captures the joy of the event and the essence of the course - take a look!

   

   

Why is Be A Leader Important?

At bemix we believe that everyone should be seen, be heard and belong. People with learning disabilities do not always have the same opportunities to be fully involved in our society. We want to change that. Self-advocacy, co-production and leadership from people with learning disabilities, are vital to that change. 

Co-production means understanding the value in the experience and skills people can contribute. People with lived experience should be seen and heard in leadership roles, where they can make powerful contributions towards changing things for the better, for everyone. It means that people can influence how opportunities and services are delivered, what happens, who is part of it, why it happens, the risks involved and when changes should be made.

 

Be A Leader Class of 2023 Learners and Course Trainers and Coordinators

 

We have a vision to change how people with learning disabilities are perceived. Shifting the emphasis from what people can’t do, or are slower at doing, to recognising them as powerful contributors and achievers. People who make our lives richer when given the chance to thrive. 

Be A Leader has been about giving people with learning disabilities the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead and govern. Course students have ambitious plans to influence, change and shape what happens in Kent, Medway and beyond, so that we may move toward a more fair and inclusive society.

Ben, Sammy, Jack, Sarah, David, Carmen, Lis, Kiera and Teresa - Congratulations on graduating as the Be A Leader Class of 2023!

 

Be A Leader Course Trainers and Co-ordinators - Anne-Marie, Steve, Tricia, Matt and Rosina

 

Be A Leader is supported by Inclusion North, East Kent Mencap, LDC Care, Kent County Council and Medway Council.

With special thanks to the amazing team at Gulbenkian Arts Centre for supporting the Be A Leader graduation event and to Lily's Social Kitchen CIC for supplying us with a spread of delicious cakes. 

For more information about Be A Leader contact [email protected]