Do You See Me?

This week’s magazine is unlike any other we have ever produced. It has been created, in association with Mencap, by people with learning disabilities to help illustrate what they go through, to celebrate their vital place in society and present an edition from their perspective as they wanted it built.

The theme for this year’s Learning Disability Week is Do You See Me? It is, says Mencap, all about being seen, heard and valued. Inside, you will read stories in here from across the spectrum of disability:

• Jessica-Jane Applegate won Paralympic gold but says her ‘hidden’ disability has put potential sponsors off.
• Ismail Kaji writes that people with learning disabilities need to make our voices heard this general election
• How Mencap’s Homes not Hospitals campaign wants to replace inpatient units with proper home support
• Aisha Edwards talks to Francis Majekodunmi – also known by his drag name Lady Francesca – about how the arts can shine the spotlight and give opportunity to people with learning disabilities
• Sophie Potter wants to tell people that, even though she has Down’s syndrome, she knows how to party
• Eye-catching, life-changing artwork from Superstar Arts
• Hollyoaks actor Emily Burnett and her aunt Teresa Pope are a formidable
  team as they talk about their pinnacle achievements
• How Café Van Gogh is bringing benefits to people through employment
• Support workers save lives. So why are so many of them being forced to leave the sector?
• Nigel Smith recounts his cancer journey and how he is helping others in similar situations
• Dancing in front of Strictly as a kid paid off for CBeebies host George Webster
• Heidi and James Carter share their love of movies but say the best film of all would be their love story
• Alastair Smith finds freedom in music and interviews his idol from IDLES, Mark Bowen
• Top chef Michael Benyon shares some recipes that give you a taste of what he can do
• And Birmingham vendor Sonya explains how selling Big Issue has given her the opportunity to achieve independence

If you can, please buy a copy from your local vendor.

If you can’t buy in person, you can purchase magazines from The Big Issue Shop or download a digital version via The Big Issue app, available now from the App Store or Google Play