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Andrea Meek

@andreameek.bsky.social
61 followers 44 following 30 posts

Learning Disability and Supported Employment researcher in Wales. Roller Coaster rider.🎢 Often found near the sea 🌊

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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
The second survey for the research priorities for #Dyspraxia Developmental #DCD is open. Over 900 questions were submitted in The first survey. These have been shortlisted to 50 questions. We need help to decide which are the most important! Survey link: www.research.net/r/RTLKRY8 #neurodiversity
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Many employers don"t recognise the value of people with a #learningdisability. Those who can work,& want to work should be supported on an equal basis to any other person in employment. This is still not well supported by goverments or employers. #supportedemployment www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Mum says autistic son 'deserved better from Waitrose'
The supermarket is investigating after Frances Boyd says her son Tom was stopped from volunteering.
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Help Shape #dyspraxia research & take part in the 2nd stage of the priority setting excercise. Over 900 questions were submitted in the first survey. These have been shortlisted to 50. Help is needed to decide which are the most important! 📌 Survey link: [lnkd.in/exFQZRBG) lnkd.in/epg4VuwN
lnkd.in
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
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Steve Hardy @stevehardyldn.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Funding is available for small businesses looking to employ people with learning disabilities and autism. #EppingForest
eppingforestdc.gov.uk
Inclusive employment grant scheme open for applications - Epping Forest District Council
Funding is available for small businesses looking to employ people with learning disabilities and autism.
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Powys People First is the second #selfadvocacy group for people with #learningdisabilities in Wales to close in the last few months. Thoughts are with all the attendees of this group & the people who support them. This closure has so many knock-on effects. We need investment in the LD sector now.
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SeeAbility @seeability.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
We’ve made an Easy Read to support people with learning disabilities to set up their own social media accounts and use them safely. www.seeability.org/resources/making…
Nakita holding a tablet, surrounded by social media icons, with text: "SeeAbility Easy Read: Making a social media account."
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Barriers for people with Learning Disabilities in Wales are huge. Services & support are being cut. People & families are struggling. We need investment & funding. www.linkedin.com/posts/andrea...
linkedin.com
Barriers for people with learning disabilities; Are we still in 1974 ? | Andrea Meek posted on the topic | LinkedIn
Barriers for people with learning disabilities; Are we still in 1974 ? Recently I went to see Housemates. It's a play by Hijinx Theatre about how the first supported living house for people with lea...
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
We would like to see equality of opportunity in employment across Wales for people with #learningdisabilities Our recommendations for a #JobCoach strategy suggest how this might work. www.engagetochange.org.uk/wp-content/u...
engagetochange.org.uk
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Disability Rebellion @disrebellion.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
On today Hall of Fame (political) we have Sioned Wlliams MS for constantly standing up for the rights of disabled people and unpaid carers.
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Steve Hardy @stevehardyldn.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Too often, people with intellectual disability are left out of conversations about love, intimacy, and desire. In this episode, John O’Donnell shares what it’s like to navigate dating with an intellectual disability #USA
sbs.com.au
Dating with an intellectual disability
Too often, people with intellectual disability are left out of conversations about love, intimacy, and desire. In this episode, John O’Donnell shares what it’s like to navigate dating with an intellec...
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Publicly and accessibly available.
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
www.facebook.com/share/1GFPra...
facebook.com
Redirecting...
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Here's our first official #WCLD ( Welsh Centre for Learning Disability Inclusive Research) team photo! Our website tells you more about our #coproduction and #livedexperience philosophy wcfld.weebly.com Get in touch if we can help you. @kurt1895.bsky.social
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
It's disappointing to read The Disabled People’s Rights Plan, Wales - What we have done so far and what we will do next (Easy Read) version & not see job coaching & Supported Employment included under employment. These were key messages from a 9 year evaluation in Wales www.gov.wales/sites/defaul...
x.com
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Here's our first official #WCLD ( Welsh Centre for Learning Disability Inclusive Research) team photo! Our website tells you more about our #coproduction and #livedexperience philosophy wcfld.weebly.com Get in touch if we can help you. @kurt1895.bsky.social
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
www.linkedin.com/posts/andrea...
linkedin.com
👋 Here at the Welsh Centre For Learning Disability Inclusive Research we are now starting to write bids and look for collaborations. | Andrea Meek
👋 Here at the Welsh Centre For Learning Disability Inclusive Research we are now starting to write bids and look for collaborations. We are an inclusive team which offers coproduction from start to fi...
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Yorkshire Victor Meldrew and his dog📎 @yorkshirevicmeld.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
July is disability pride month Red- physical disabilities Gold- neurodivergence White- invisible and undiagnosed disabilities Blue- Mental health Green- sensory disabilities Happy disability pride month ❤
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
A priority setting excercise for #DCD #Dyspraxia asking what things #research should focus on. Takes less than 5 minutes to complete. We are keen to hear from people with lived experience as well as parents, carers & teachers #ALN #neurodiversity Complete the survey here: lnkd.in/eDyuhabG
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North Wales Regional Innovation Coordination Hub @nwrich.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Inclusive Recruitment Event for small & medium enterprises in North Wales 2/10/2025, 8.30am-11.30am Conwy Business Centre We’re looking for real stories from local businesses big or small to help inspire and inform others Email Kim Killow on kim.killow@flintshire.gov.uk
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Steve Hardy @stevehardyldn.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
CI&T has unveiled a new prototype banking app aimed at helping adults with learning disabilities gain greater financial independence.
techinformed.com
Banking app targets adults with learning difficulties
CI&T has unveiled a new prototype banking app aimed at helping adults with learning disabilities gain greater financial independence
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
For those who want to work and can work unemployment hits hard. Employment for people with Learning Disabilities should be a life choice and opportunity, and should be supported in the right way. Benefit cuts are the exact opposite of this. www.linkedin.com/posts/andrea...
linkedin.com
I'm a #SupportedEmployment researcher currently finding out just how soul destroying and inaccesible job searching is. | Andrea Meek
I'm a #SupportedEmployment researcher currently finding out just how soul destroying and inaccesible job searching is. While we set up our Community Interest Company I have been looking for par...
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
#LearningDisabilityAwarenessWeek There'll be lots of posts but the theme is "Do You See Me" So here's people to follow, all with lived experience, who have more knowledge than I'll ever have @victoriagigbudcym.bsky.social @samanthahall.bsky.social @gerraintgriff.bsky.social @kurt1895.bsky.social
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Learning Disability Wales @ldwales.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
From 2016 to 2023 #EngageToChange worked across #Wales to support young people aged 16-25 with a learning difficulty, learning disability and/or autism to gain meaningful employment. We celebrate the legacy it leaves behind thanks to the brilliant team: ldw.org.uk/engage-to-ch...
A group of nine people all dressed smartly are standing facing the camera in what looks to be an office environment. Among the group is the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy MS, and Member of the Senedd, Dr Hefin David.
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All Wales People 1st @allwalespeople1st.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
We will be holding our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 25th June at the Kinmel and Kinspa Hotel, Abergele. Everyone is welcome to attend. You can find more information on our website here: ow.ly/x3WQ50VWiU2 (pic: N Hirst)
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allwalesforum.bsky.social @allwalesforum.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Over the last few years we have collected useful and important information for Carers on the below page: You can find support with energy bills, debt, health and local, national & peer support and information on how to maximise your income. Find out more on our padlet padlet.com/josh582/righ...
padlet.com
‘Rights in action: Maximizing household income through access to the best quality information and advice.’
Carers rights are fundamental, but rights without the means to realise these rights are not always helpful. In line with Carers Rights Day, 2024, we have collated the best information and advice avail...
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
If you have experience of #Dyspraxia #DCD please help shape UK research priorities 👉 Take part here: [lnkd.in/eVCK56Rc](lnkd.in/eVCK56Rc)
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
All Wales People First produced a Position Statement on the Government's Green Paper 'Reforming Benefits & Support to Get Britain Working'. This is the direct voice of people with #learningdisabilities in Wales. Statement is on the website: allwalespeople1st.co.uk/resource-list/
allwalespeople1st.co.uk
Resources - All Wales People First
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Fantastic questions & unfiltered responses from Danny Dyer on #TheAssembly, being interviewed by people who are learning disabled & neurodivergent. His attitude & demeanor was respectful & humble. Great to see people with Learning Disabilities in control on TV @itvx.com youtu.be/EamWRVWnYHw?...
youtu.be
Danny Dyer With Neurodivergent Interviewers: Drugs, Upbringing, Mistakes | The Assembly - Ep.1
YouTube video by ITV
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 19/01/2025
We would like to see equality of opportunity in employment across Wales for people with #learningdisabilities Our recommendations for a #JobCoach strategy suggest how this might work. www.engagetochange.org.uk/wp-content/u...
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All Wales People 1st @allwalespeople1st.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Joe Powell & co-chair Sophie are in London supporting Bring People Home from Hospital. Learning Disabiilty and Autism are not mental health issues. People with Learning Disabilities and autism should not be institutionalised. @awpfceo.bsky.social www.inclusionlondon.org.uk/news/bring-p...
inclusionlondon.org.uk
Bring People Home From Hospital day of action
Join our day of action to protest against People with Learning Difficulties and Autistic people being locked up in psychiatric hospitals.
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Fantastic questions & unfiltered responses from Danny Dyer on #TheAssembly, being interviewed by people who are learning disabled & neurodivergent. His attitude & demeanor was respectful & humble. Great to see people with Learning Disabilities in control on TV @itvx.com youtu.be/EamWRVWnYHw?...
youtu.be
Danny Dyer With Neurodivergent Interviewers: Drugs, Upbringing, Mistakes | The Assembly - Ep.1
YouTube video by ITV
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Steve Hardy @stevehardyldn.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
The transition from education to employment can be particularly challenging for young adults with learning disabilities and autistic people, and they remain one of the most underrepresented groups in the UK workforce.
learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk
How can we create employment pathways, not just welfare reform? - Learning Disability Today
Young autistic people and people with learning disabilities recently gathered for a landmark SEND Youth Parliament in Westminster to advocate for greater employment opportunities.
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Learning Disability Wales @ldwales.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
@unitedresponse.bsky.social have made an Easy News about the UK government's plans to reform benefits. www.unitedresponse.org.uk/resource/eas...
unitedresponse.org.uk
EasyRead: government changes to PIP and other disability benefits - United Response
An explainer of the changes to disability benefits that the UK government proposed in March 2025 – and how you can have your say about them.
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All Wales People 1st @allwalespeople1st.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Cardiff People First are looking to recruit a person with lived experience of learning disability. They want someone for 10 hours per week and the pay is £13.10 per hour. You can find out how to contact them here: ow.ly/nuqV50VxpKp
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Learning Disability England @learningdiseng.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Government changes to PIP - and how to have your say A new Easy News story from United Response... tinyurl.com/mup5dfnp
tinyurl.com
EasyRead: government changes to PIP and other disability benefits - United Response
An explainer of the changes to disability benefits that the UK government proposed in March 2025 – and how you can have your say about them.
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Parents Voices in Wales CIC #Neurodiversity #Families @parentsvoiceswales.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Yes…..and only in trauma informed neuroaffirming environments where we make strengths their main identity. No one blooms if they are struggling or in mental health crisis. #ALNWales #Education #NeedsLed #Health #EarlyHelp
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
I like the thinking behind this because I really dislike #autism being represented as a puzzle piece www.facebook.com/share/r/166x...
facebook.com
Redirecting...
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
#supportedemployment and "employment support" are not the same thing. We need more training around Supported Employment, a model which is proven to support people with #learningdisabilities into work. Governments need long term consistent & accessible approaches. bylinetimes.com/2024/12/13/i...
bylinetimes.com
If the Government Wants to 'Get Britain Working', Why Is It Ignoring All the Learning Disabled People Who Want to Find Jobs?
Less than 5% of people with learning disabilities are employed, while 86% want to be. The Government must think about which Brits it values as being worthy of work
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
A National Job Coach Strategy could improve employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities in Wales, creating better inclusion, independence, & well-being. Key recommendation/ report by The National Centre for Mental Health , Cardiff Uni www.engagetochange.org.uk/wp-content/u...
engagetochange.org.uk
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
A National Job Coach Strategy could improve employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities in Wales, creating better inclusion, independence, & well-being. Key recommendation/ report by The National Centre for Mental Health , Cardiff Uni www.engagetochange.org.uk/wp-content/u...
engagetochange.org.uk
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Great event with Senedd cross party input from Hefin David MS, Sioned Williams MS, Mark Isherwood MS and Jane Dodds MS.There was no calling out each others policies, just working together to support transition & employment for people with ##learningdisabilities youtu.be/9JeSA5Mkssc?...
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Dr Dawn Cavanagh @dawnc05.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Also online
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Dr Dawn Cavanagh @dawnc05.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Make no mistake, the detention of people with learning disabilities in secure hospitals is a HR issue. There will be more claims and settlements. www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/justice...
doughtystreet.co.uk
Justice for AP: Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust pays damages following detention and seclusion of man with learning disabilities and autism for 340 days
The High Court has approved the settlement of a civil claim brought by Bindmans client ‘AP’, by which Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust will pay significant damages for the detention and treatment
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Learning Disability Today @learningdisability.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
News. People with learning disabilities and autistic people in Scotland are still being held in institutions in breach of their human rights, according to a new report from Scotland’s human rights watchdog. www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/news/no-prog...
learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk
No progress on moving people out of institutions in Scotland, report finds
A report from the Scottish Human Rights Commission finds that there is little progress in moving people with learning disabilities and autistic people out of institutions.
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NationCymru @nation.cymru · 13/02/2025
Apprenticeships are not a luxury; they are a necessity. The impact of budget cuts goes far beyond financial spreadsheets. Apprenticeships represent life-changing opportunities, particularly for individuals from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds ✍️ Luke Fletcher MS nation.cymru/opinion/inve...
nation.cymru
Investing in apprenticeships will secure Wales’ long-term prosperity
Luke Fletcher MS For many years prior to entering politics I worked in hospitality – an experience which made me very alert to the vital role apprenticeships play in the industry, in nurturing talent ...
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ColegauCymru | CollegesWales @colegau.cymru · 13/02/2025
✨ It’s #AWWales2025! ✨ Alongside @ntfwwbl.bsky.social, we were delighted to host an Apprenticeships Fayre at the @Senedd.Wales yesterday, showcasing the incredible value #apprenticeships bring - not only to learners but in supporting the wider economy.
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Learning Disability England @learningdiseng.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
It's important everyone over 14 on their doctor's learning disability register has an annual health check. They can help you stay well and find any problems early. If you haven't been offered one you can ask your doctors practice if you can have one.
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Andrea Meek @andreameek.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Applying for jobs for the first time in 25yrs means bringing out the old Record of Achievement. My glowing report for PE is outstanding, especially as I actively avoided it for a solid 2 years (unless it was swimming) by hiding in the music room & pretending to learn the flute.
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Learning Disability England @learningdiseng.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
'Addressing the health inequalities experienced by people with a learning disability from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic backgrounds' Free webinar led by BILD - The British Institute of Learning Disabilities, 12.30pm today: tinyurl.com/3kbc4fsd
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