For Croydon resident Chris*, the borough’s 2024 learning disability carnival was a day to remember. “Our daughter has a learning disability, which means that events like these are particularly special,” they said. “It helps us know that she is welcome and supported.”
Held in Croydon’s bustling North End, the carnival was a fun-packed celebration the whole community could enjoy. It brought together talented performers and local organisations to raise awareness of services and give a voice to residents with a learning disability.
The busy high street featured a range of activities – from a well-choreographed fashion show by local charity Willow Learning for Life to DJ sets from community group Club Soda.
The carnival is the best thing ever for Croydon and I loved the fundraising”
According to Shannen, who took part: “The carnival is the best thing ever for Croydon and I loved the fundraising, I made more than £500 pounds for next year’s carnival. It helped with my mental health”.
To help tackle barriers to accessing support, 50 organisations ran stalls the length of the high street. These included information about local groups and issues as well as items for sale – such as jewellery and soaps made by people with learning disabilities.
It was so heartwarming to see people with learning disabilities come together to showcase their talents and strengths.”
Bensham Resource Centre (BRC) was also represented. Dorina of BRC said: “It was a fantastic and inspirational day. It was so heartwarming to see people with learning disabilities come together to showcase their talents and strengths. Well done guys!”
Learning Disability Alliance Croydon organised the event with the support of partners and funding from Mencap. The alliance works to put people with learning disabilities at the centre of the community, making sure they feel valued, listened to and included.
Partners involved on the day were:
- Learning Disability Alliance Croydon
- Royal Mencap Society
- Croydon Mencap
- Croydon Voluntary Action (including Community Builders and Community Facilitators)
- Croydon BME Forum
- Be Different 365
- Croydon College
- Hair Plea
- Young at Heart
- Metropolitan Police
*not their real name