Yesterday’s release of the Get Britain Working White Paper highlights an important conversation about employment for people with disabilities. At Alexandra House of Joy, we wholeheartedly support initiatives that provide meaningful, tailored support to help individuals with learning disabilities and complex learning needs access opportunities to thrive.
We welcome the Government’s commitment to investing in health and employment services, including programmes like Connect to Work and expanded access to Individual Placement and Support (IPS). These steps reflect an understanding that support must be personalised, helping people succeed in their unique journeys.
However, we share the concerns expressed by organisations like Mencap and Disability Rights UK about the impact of proposed benefit reforms. For many individuals with complex needs, benefits provide essential stability, enabling them to access care and resources necessary for fulfilling lives. Any changes to the system must ensure that those unable to work due to their conditions are not penalised or left in financial insecurity.
At Alexandra House of Joy, we know that employment opportunities are just one part of the bigger picture. Many adults with complex learning disabilities also need access to nurturing environments where they can engage in sensory activities, explore creative outlets, and receive respite care. Our vision for a vibrant day centre—with facilities like a music room, sensory room, computer space, art and craft areas, and landscaped sensory gardens—aims to provide these essential services. For individuals with complex needs, these spaces foster confidence, creativity, and connection, which are as important as employment in building a fulfilling life.
We also urge the Government to actively consult people with learning disabilities, their families, and organisations like ours to ensure the proposed measures are practical, inclusive, and considerate of diverse needs. At Alexandra House of Joy, we see firsthand the barriers that people with learning disabilities face—not only in employment but in accessing opportunities that others may take for granted.
We believe that true success lies in creating an environment where people with learning disabilities are empowered to thrive in all aspects of their lives. This means:
Guaranteeing financial security for those who cannot work.
Providing comprehensive training for employers to improve confidence and inclusivity in hiring people with learning disabilities.
Ensuring employment schemes are voluntary, not coercive, and driven by individual choice.
While we are encouraged by elements of the White Paper, we urge the Government to ensure no one is left behind and to consider the full spectrum of challenges faced by people with disabilities. Employment can be a powerful tool for empowerment—but only if the path to it is free from insecurity and undue pressure.
At Alexandra House of Joy, we remain committed to advocating for a society where every individual is valued, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. We look forward to further details and discussions around the White Paper’s implementation and hope to see these promises translate into meaningful, inclusive change.