Learning Disability Coalition
Learning Disability Coalition takes on new Director
Anthea Cox has become the new Director of campaigning organisation the Learning Disability Coalition on August 10th 2009, replacing Heather Honour, who retired in July.
Cox previously directed the social justice work of the Methodist Church in Great Britain, leading on the Make Poverty History campaign. She is a former senior Peterborough City Councillor, non-executive Director of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and the founder of Goldhay Arts, an innovative day service for people with learning disabilities.
The Learning Disability Coalition is formed of 15 learning disability organisations including Mencap, Sense, National Autistic Society and People First. It campaigns for better funding for adults with learning disabilities.
Commenting on her appointment, Cox said:
“It is exciting to be joining the Learning Disability Coalition at a time of enormous change in adult social care.
“The Government’s Green Paper on the future of adult social care is a once-in-a-generation chance to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities. My concern is that funding for services for this group of people is simply not on the political agenda.
“I am looking forward to working with the Coalition’s members to ensure that the case for good quality, well-funded support is kept firmly in the spotlight.”
For further press information please John Smithies on 0845-230-0372 / 07787-487587 / john.smithies@downs-syndrome.org.uk.
--ENDS--Notes to editors
The Learning Disability Coalition’s members are: Mencap, National Autistic Society, Down’s Syndrome Association, British Institute of Learning Disabilities, Association for Real Change, Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, People First, Real Life Options, Sense, The National Forum for People with Learning Difficulties, National Valuing Families Forum, National Family Carer Network, Turning Point, United Response and Voyage.
There are no accurate statistics on the number of people with a learning disability but it is generally thought that there about 1.5 million people.
The Learning Disability Coalition was set up just over two years ago to make sure that there is better funding for people with a learning disability.Its co-chairs are Dame Jo Williams DBE and Andrew Lee, Director of People First.