Oxfordshire launches ten year plan to support adults with learning disabilities
Adults with learning disabilities will be supported to lead fulfilling, independent lives as the result of a ten year strategy launched by Oxfordshire County Council working with partners.
The Oxfordshire Learning Disability Plan 2025 - 2035 has been co-produced and co-designed with the voices and experiences of people with learning disabilities, their families, carers and professionals.
The plan is structured around four key themes:
- Having a good life: supporting employment, relationships, and community participation.
- Health and wellbeing: improving access to health services, prevention, and healthy lifestyles.
- Having a place to live: expanding housing choice, supported living and independence.
- Homes not hospitals: providing community-based support and reducing hospital admissions
Over 160 people contributed to a consultation that took place in June and July 2025, including more than 95 people with a learning disability. This further builds on the engagement carried out in late 2024, where:
- 81 people attended a learning disability plan world café event, including 18 people with a learning disability, 19 family carers and 31 professionals.
- The council met with 32 people through dedicated sessions.
- 49 people with a learning disability and 21 staff took part in open focus groups across five community support services.
- 24 people submitted sharing your story forms
Other key partners include the NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (ICB); Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust; city and district councils; Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP); and voluntary and community sector partners, such as Oxfordshire Family Support Network (OxFSN), My Life My Choice (MLMC) and support providers.
Progress will be overseen by the Learning Disability Improvement Board, which is co‑chaired by Dawn Wiltshire, who has lived experience. The board also includes representatives with learning disabilities and family members, ensuring their voices continue to shape decisions.
Abul, 36, from Headington, who is a member of My Life My Choice and part of the having a good life sub‑group, shared his thoughts on being involved in the plan: "I like that it's online and face to face so it's inclusive for people. It's good for people with lived experience to have a say on important decisions which affect us.
"It makes me feel good and happy that the council listens to my views".
Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “This strategy is about listening and acting. We are determined to make Oxfordshire a place where everyone, regardless of ability, can live a good life.
“The voices of people with learning disabilities, their families and carers have shaped this plan, and their experiences will continue to guide us. We are committed to building communities where everyone is included, supported and empowered to thrive.”
Ongoing engagement will ensure regular feedback, with updates and case studies shared throughout the ten year period. Major reviews and communications refreshes will take place in three, five, and seven years’ time.
To read an accessible version of the plan and for more information, visit the Live Well Oxfordshire website.
ENDS
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