New council launched during Learning Disability Week to strengthen the voice of learning disability nurses across Kent and Medway
Date added: 15 June 2026
Last updated: 15 June 2026
A new initiative to strengthen the voice and influence of learning disability nurses across Kent and Medway is being launched today (Monday 15 June) to mark the start of Learning Disability Week 2026.
Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, working in partnership with NHS organisations across the region, is establishing a Learning Disability Nursing Shared Decision-Making Council. The council will bring together registered learning disability nurses from across health and care services to help shape the future of the profession and influence decision-making across the local system
The launch coincides with this year’s Learning Disability Week theme, “Do you see me?” which highlights the importance of ensuring people with a learning disability are seen, heard and valued.
People with a learning disability continue to experience significant health inequalities. Many die around 20 years earlier than the general population, while people with profound and multiple learning disabilities often face even greater challenges because of their complex health needs. Learning disability nurses play a vital role in addressing these inequalities, helping people access the right care, supporting reasonable adjustments and ensuring their voices are heard throughout their healthcare journey.
The launch follows a Kent and Medway-wide engagement event held earlier this year, where learning disability nurses identified a need for greater professional visibility, stronger collaboration and more opportunities to influence strategic decisions.
George Matuska, Learning Disability Nurse and Clinical Lead for Learning Disabilities and Autism at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “Learning disability nurses play a unique role in helping people navigate services, access the care they need and achieve better health outcomes. This council creates an opportunity for that expertise to be brought together through a shared professional voice that can influence decisions across the system.
“I would encourage any registered learning disability nurse working across Kent and Medway to consider getting involved. Whether you work in community services, hospitals, primary care, education, social care or the independent sector, your experience and perspective are important, and this council is designed to ensure every voice has the opportunity to be heard.”
Get involved
The council will meet virtually every 2 months and is open to all registered learning disability nurses working across Kent and Medway, regardless of employer, role, band or setting. Membership is voluntary and aims to reflect the diversity of the learning disability nursing workforce. Nurses interested in joining can find out more and register their interest by clicking here: Kent and Medway RNLD Shared Decision Making Council: Expression of Interest
Julie Kirby, Acting Chief Nurse at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “Learning Disability Week focuses on ensuring people with a learning disability are seen, heard and valued. Learning disability nurses play a critical role in making that a reality, supporting individuals to receive safe, equitable and personalised care.
“This new council will help ensure the profession has a stronger voice within our system and that its expertise continues to inform how services are designed, delivered and improved for the future.”
By bringing together the knowledge, experience and leadership of learning disability nurses from across Kent and Medway, the council will help ensure services are shaped by those who understand the needs of people with learning disabilities best, supporting safer care, better experiences and improved outcomes for individuals, families and carers.
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