This month, I attended the Positive Choices - UK Student Learning Disability Nurses Conference. I wanted to share some of my reflections from the day with other members who may not have been able to attend. Whether you are a student or a qualified Learning Disability Nurse, this event has a lasting impact on the morale and practice delivered across the UK.
I joined for day two, which began with MAKASONG singing 'All together now.' The power of unity and collective action is undeniable. The conference is about advocating for change, and when we come together, we can achieve remarkable things.
There were movement breaks between guest speakers, and this showed me how quickly we can all join in doing something together - following a good example. A quick Zumba session was the perfect metaphor for how quickly we can unite and follow a positive example. It's about moving in sync, supporting each other, and creating a vibrant community.
The changes brought about in 2016 around the commissioning of Learning Disability Nursing places at Higher Education Institutions were discussed, raising the question: should this be reintroduced? With cohorts often being smaller in numbers, is there enough incentive for universities to continue running the course? With an increasing prevalence of people with learning disabilities, is the current workforce enough to meet continued projected demand? This is something the UK LD Nursing Forum plans to address in its LD Workforce Review.
David Harling discussed the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, which is due to be published in June, focusing on training, retaining, and reforming the workforce. He acknowledged that Learning Disability Nurses are creative, patient, unique, compassionate, impactful, resilient allies. He urged the audience to continue to be the voice of the profession, lead initiatives, and share strategies to attract new recruits.
Tommy Jessop, a talented actor and author, delivered several powerful messages: "We don’t want to be cast as victims, we can be heroes too." He went on to say, "We need to make sure people with learning disabilities are understood and valued. Please help people to follow their dreams and live their lives to the full." He also encouraged others to be aware of the upcoming Down Syndrome Act Guidance, for which he has attended parliament.
Sharon Paley RNLD shared her story through ‘yarning,’ a way of sharing cultural information. She encouraged others to continue to push forward good practice even in the face of adversity, showing that her dedication has led her to make significant changes across the pond in Australia.
James Alterman from the 九游体育 Foundation also raised awareness of the grants up to £1600 available to student and learning disability nurses for CPD, with a current focus on inclusive health. There are five current Advanced Clinical Practice Roles on offer for LD Nurses working in Social Care.
Reflecting on Positive Choices 2025, it’s clear that unity, advocacy, and continuous improvement are key to shaping the future of nursing and supporting people with learning disabilities. Let's continue to make positive choices and drive meaningful change.
Looking ahead, Sheffield Hallam University will be hosting the conference in 2026 . This is an exciting opportunity for the university to showcase its commitment to the field and provide a platform for further discussions and advancements in Learning Disability Nursing and Social Work.
