‘Be Seen Be Heard’ is a bemix group in Dover and a project that works to educate and campaign about the rights of people with learning difficulties and/or autism. Positive Campaigning is one of our bemix ‘Wider Values’ which we apply in our work towards achieving Our Vision of a world where everyone is valued as an individual. It means that we communicate and campaign in a way that tells people what we want. We work with people or organisations, rather than against them, where we want change to occur. We believe this is the most effective way of making a lasting positive change.

At a protest in London (about ‘Homes Not Hospitals’) a few years ago, we had the great fortune to meet and become friends with Alexis Quinn. Alexis is an autistic woman, an activist, campaigner, teacher, author and international speaker. Alexis is also a Restraint Reduction Network  Manager/Coordinator.

Alexis Quinn

Since we met Alexis, we have enjoyed a great working relationship and in April, we were asked to join her and be part of a forum concerning the proposed changes to the Mental Health Act.

To take part in the forum, we met on Zoom to discuss the key areas of change that would impact people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

It was great to be included in the Zoom meeting. We were seen and heard and our opinions were listened to with great enthusiasm. It felt like our opinions mattered.

“It felt great to be part of the team” - Sarah

Leila said  “ I enjoyed seeing Alexis and listening to what she had to say.”

Will said  “It makes me happy to see Alexis on zoom again” and, “I like to get the message out to people to say do not put them in there (just because they have a learning difficulty).”

For many years, people with a learning difficulty and/or autism have not had the opportunity or education to be involved in politics or influencing the world around them. People have been segregated in groups with just one thing in common, that they have a learning difficulty and/or autism. People with learning difficulties and/or autism should be valued as individuals - a good society needs our contribution as much as everyone else’s. Being part of the forum means we can be part of something bigger, make a positive impact on the world we live in and that our contribution is valued.

"The only way to make change is to listen to people. I feel like if people listen to us, then they will see our perspective and they will feel motivated to help us enjoy the same freedoms as everyone else." - Alexis

Alexis also reflected on our session:

“I really enjoy talking and working with bemix. I feel like I have such a good connection with the group and they always welcome me. I especially like it when we meet in person and share a nice cup of tea and some biscuits. 

The only way to make change is to listen to people. I feel like if people listen to us, then they will see our perspective and they will feel motivated to help us enjoy the same freedoms as everyone else. Sometimes people and organisations get stuck in their ways. When this happens we need to share our views and that’s why I love bemix. Working with bemix makes me feel really happy. I always leave the centre or a zoom enthused and raring to go. They know what good looks like. They know what needs to change and I love hearing their ideas first hand.”

Thank you for a great session, Alexis!

Links:

Alexis Quinn on Twitter

Restraint Reduction Network

Reforming the Mental Health Act