Ali Gunn
@aligunn.bsky.social
Director of Engagement and Development for @unitedresponse.bsky.social. Chair of the Government’s Disability Unit North West’s Regional Stakeholder Network. Campaigning for a better future for social care.
We’re now well into week two of Our Life Stories 🎧 So, check out our latest article, which shares highlights from the York launch, some reflections from MP Rachael Maskell who came to visit, and a short video recap showing the exhibition in action! Read it here: buff.ly/OOt6hZz
Our Life Stories exhibitions - United Response
Our Life Stories is being brought to life through a series of exhibitions across the country. The Our Life Stories exhibition brings together a co-curated selection of real-life stories and objects…
unitedresponse.org.uk
Brill afternoon absorbing Our Life Stories exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary. Oral history of the lives, loves, injustices & communities of 80+ people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Artwork, peer-led interviews & more. Hat-tip to everyone @unitedresponse.bsky.social involved ✨
(1/2) With a heavy heart, I have written to the Prime Minister to tender my resignation as a whip. Whilst I will continue to support the government in delivering the change the country so desperately needs, I cannot vote in favour of the proposed reforms to disability benefits.
So incredibly proud of people we support and colleagues across @unitedresponse.bsky.social for making this project a reality!
Channel 4 News@channel4news.bsky.social · last yr.Groundbreaking project gives a voice to people with learning disabilities www.channel4.com/news/groundb...
Our CEO Kate Terroni’s response to today’s #SpendingReview was featured in the @bigissue.com ⬇️ www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
What was in Rachel Reeves' historic spending review – and what was missing?
Rachel Reeves splashed about the billions as she announced her spending review. But there were big absences.
bigissue.com
We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for the SMK National Campaigner Awards for our work on #MyVoteMyVoice! Find out more ⬇️ buff.ly/HuOjmnv
So very proud of my lovely team and colleagues for an impactful and inspiring event
United Response@unitedresponse.bsky.social · last yr.Today we’re going to Westminster to launch ‘Journey to Safety’, our report into disability hate crime on public transport. The report draws from an in-depth research project conducted over the past 11 months, funded by the Motability Foundation. Read it here ⬇️ (1/2) buff.ly/Szrrxku
Our latest blog from @alivewithideas.bsky.social shares how @unitedresponse.bsky.social has embraced accessibility over the past decade. Discover key lessons learned and the story behind Easy News, the UK’s first accessible news magazine dedicated to people with learning disabilities: bit.ly/4jGUbUx
How United Response transformed their accessibility approach over a decade
Lara Iyer from Alive with Ideas presents a case study of United Response, offering invaluable accessibility lessons for the sector and for charities who are wanting to push their practices even furthe...
bit.ly
We’re sharing Easy Read Guides to the local elections. Have you heard of a combined authority? A combined authority is a group of local councils working together in an area. The leader of a combined authority can be called a Mayor. Find out more ⬇️
What is a combined authority?
A combined authority is a group of local councils working together in an area. The leader of a combined authority is often called a Mayor.
myvotemyvoice.org.uk
We are thrilled to welcome Kate Terroni to United Response as our new CEO. www.unitedresponse.org.uk/news-item/ka...
There are local elections coming up in lots of areas. Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing some brand new Easy Read guides to help you, and anyone you support, get ready to vote. First up we have an Easy Read guide to Councils ⬇️ www.myvotemyvoice.org.uk/resource/wha...
What do councils do?
Councils make decisions that affect your daily life. The council is in charge of important services in your area.
myvotemyvoice.org.uk
The last few weeks have been difficult, and often frightening, for disabled people. They have seen their disabilities, needs and livelihoods relentlessly debated, while they are left to worry about their future. Read our response to today’s news ⬇️
United Response responds to the Government’s welfare reform - United Response
We share our views on today’s announcement.
unitedresponse.org.uk
“The rise in young people claiming benefits for sickness and disability, especially related to mental health conditions, has to be understood in the context of this austerity generation coming on to the books.” Exactly this. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Benefits cuts now? What’s the point of a Labour MP who votes for something so cruel, tin-eared and short-sighted? | John McDonnell
Treating disabled and sick people callously flies in the face of all the party stands for – the government must rethink its plans, writes the MP John McDonnell
theguardian.com
As this Sky report shows disability benefits like PIP are a vital support for disabled people to address the barriers they face news.sky.com/story/childr...
Autistic teen says he was left feeling 'inhuman' after being rejected by NHS mental health services
Damien, who contemplated suicide due to his experiences, says he believes NHS services think autistic people can't engage effectively with therapy.
news.sky.com
Our Director of Marketing and Communications, Ali Gunn, went on BBC 5 Live to talk about the potential changes to disability benefits. ⬇️
These missed targets are a disgrace. There must be a renewed plan to guarantee that autistic people and those with a learning disability have suitable housing and tailored support within their community. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Autistic woman wrongly locked up in mental health hospital for 45 years
“Kasibba”, who is non-verbal and had no family to speak for her, was one of hundreds wrongly detained.
bbc.co.uk
This is a powerful read from the Guardian about mate crime. In the article Ali Gunn from United Response highlights some signs to look out for which might mean someone could be a victim of mate crime. https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/feb/03/mate-how-friendship-is-being-used-a…
Mate crime: how friendship is being used as a weapon to steal and control
A little-recognised form of abuse, it can lead to years of misery
theguardian.com
Our research reveals nearly 60% of all transport-related disability hate crimes occurred on buses. In our blog, we explore if there is something more dangerous about bus travel. Read more ⬇️
Are buses the riskiest way to travel for disabled people? - United Response
Our research reveals nearly 60% of all transport-related disability hate crimes occurred on buses. Is there something more dangerous about bus travel?
unitedresponse.org.uk
I’ve been listening to the oral histories captured on project, Our Life Stories. Interviews with people we support, by people we support are capturing everything from childhood memories to painful traumatic experiences in secure hospitals and how it felt finally having a place to call home.
Today we welcome Patti to the #MyVoteMyVoice team. If you want to make sure people with a learning disability and autistic people use their right to vote at the local elections, join our coalition: www.myvotemyvoice.org.uk/about/who-ha... @unitedresponse.bsky.social @dimensionsuk.bsky.social
Who has joined My Vote My Voice
Real change is achieved together; so we want as many organisations and groups to join our campaign and sign the My Vote My Voice charter.
myvotemyvoice.org.uk
Lots of wonderful new people added to 👇 If you believe in a better future for the UK, whether you yet know it or not, you believe in better social care. Come follow 🦋 Now with @coproisaac.bsky.social @sharedlivesplus.bsky.social @vicrayner.bsky.social @ncfliz.bsky.social and many others included
Ian McCreath@ianmccreath.bsky.social · 2y agoPrompted by an ask whether there was a social care starter pack I’ve started to make one go.bsky.app/jPc1mH Do reply with suggestions to add in and no need to be shy about proposing yourself!
Here's an independently published gem in my freelance mix - new stories on Friday. Goodwill, strong networks (Community Living's community!), lived experience and supporters like @certitude-support.bsky.social @unitedresponse.bsky.social communitylivingmagazine.com/our-sponsors/ #LearningDisability
Community Living Magazine@communitylivingmagazine.com · 2y agoOur new edition from Friday 10 has a New Year focus on creativity and shifting perceptions www.communitylivingmagazine.com Read words with and by a range of people including @georgejulian.bsky.social @sarasiobhan.bsky.social @seankellyphotos.bsky.social @iangoldsworthy.bsky.social
"While long-term change with cross-party agreement is essential, it should not delay immediate action that could benefit people and our social care workforce now." Our reaction to the commission on social care is in Learning Disability Today ⬇️ www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/news/governm...
Independent commission to transform social care launched
An independent commission has been launched by the government to help rebuild the adult social care system to meet the current and future needs of the population.
ct.moreover.com
“A new year calls for a new outlook on social care, so it is seen as the irreplaceable asset that we know it to be. And one that we are proud of.” www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/news/governm...
Independent commission to transform social care launched
An independent commission has been launched by the government to help rebuild the adult social care system to meet the current and future needs of the population.
learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk
Social care system facing collapse in UK say providers www.channel4.com/news/social-...
Social care system facing collapse in UK say providers
The social care system in England could be facing collapse, according to a group of six large providers.
channel4.com
I had the absolute pleasure of joining the Women Asylum Seeker Together (WAST) AGM. Founded 20 years ago by Farhat Kahn, a woman seeking asylum herself, we heard about how WAST gives strength, safety and support for women trapped in our hostile immigration system. www.wastmanchester.com/farhat-khan
Shrinking is hands down one of the best series I have watched in a long time. Heart warming, tear jerking and laughter inducing. Chefs kiss 🤌🏼
If you’re disabled, a parent/carer or work for a org representing disabled people in the North West of England and want to feed in to national policy discussions why not join the North West Regional Stakeholder network for the Government’s Disability Unit: www.gov.uk/government/p...
How to apply
gov.uk