2024 Highlights from My Life My Choice

As we look back on 2024, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of our members. From launching impactful projects to receiving national recognition, here are some of the year’s highlights.

This summer, we launched the Health and Happiness project, funded by BOBICS, to address health inequalities for people with learning disabilities. 20 MLMC members have started the process of getting healthier and happier, and have participated in workshops on healthy eating, reducing alcohol intake, and quitting smoking.

In the new year, we’ll release a healthy eating toolkit and launch a Health and Happiness film in the spring, celebrating everyone’s progress and the project’s impact!

This year, our President and Founder, Michael Edwards, was awarded an MBE for his outstanding services to people with learning disabilities. He received the honour from Prince William at Windsor Castle.

Reflecting on the award, Michael said, “I feel extremely proud.” Adrian Chappell, Co-Chair of Trustees, added “Michael’s hard work in founding MLMC over 25 years ago is truly inspirational. This is a proud moment for all of us.”

2024 saw us run an impressive 49 social events, alongside our 17 monthly self-advocacy groups—a 30% increase compared to 2023!

Events included bowling, mini golf, picnics and theatre trips, plus our monthly peer-led pub clubs.

Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for funding this project.

This year, we expanded our network of self-advocacy groups with two new local groups in Didcot and Witney, as well as a dedicated group for our LGBTQ+ members.

These co-led groups provide safe spaces for members to share experiences, build friendships, discuss news, and campaign on issues that matter to them.

Click here to find your local group

MLMC’s campaign group, Champions, achieved significant milestones. The We Can’t Wait campaign was mentioned twice in House of Commons debates and gained support from three additional self-advocacy groups. Katie and Shaunie, along with Anup, presented at national conferences. As part of the Don’t Lock Us Away campaign, Ady asked two key questions at the National Disability Hustings.

Champions also received government responses addressing concerns about the Green Belt and Thames Water, showcasing the impact of their advocacy.

This year, a group of MLMC members joined the accessibility team at Truck Music Festival as volunteers for another unforgettable experience. For many, it was their first-ever experience at a music festival. Some even embraced the full festival experience by camping out! When off-duty, they got the chance to enjoy the music on offer.

“At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but I ended up having an amazing time. Everything was fantastic—from the accessibility team to the incredible music,” shared one of the volunteers.

The Computer Buddy project has been a lifeline for many members, helping them develop digital skills like using Zoom or social media. This year, we secured funding from the Step Change Fund and Good Things Foundation to provide free devices, such as laptops and tablets, ensuring even more members can benefit.

Ben, our former Co-Chair of Trustees, celebrated a personal milestone this year. After completing spokesperson training, he landed a role as Service Quality Director with the Camden Society. Ben, who has been with MLMC for over six years, credits the charity with preparing him for this opportunity.

“MLMC has been like my apprenticeship for this job. It’s my reward for years of hard work,” Ben shared.

As we reflect on a successful year, we’re excited to carry this momentum into 2025 and beyond. Next year will mark the launch of our new Big Plan strategy, setting out our priorities and goals for the years ahead. Self-advocacy and user-led work will remain at the heart of everything we do, empowering our members to speak up and take action on the issues that matter most to them. Our campaigns will continue to drive meaningful change, amplifying the voices of people with learning disabilities and ensuring they are heard.

Thank you to our members, supporters, and funders for making this year possible.