Good Life Alliance at the Senedd

Yesterday, Mirus joined our partners in the Good Life Alliance at the #Senedd for the Homes Not Hospitals event.

The day was about raising awareness of the harm caused when people with a learning disability and autistic people are placed in long-stay hospitals or institutions, and opening up conversations about how we can create real alternatives — where people live good lives in their own homes and communities.

The event saw a range of people from very different experiences. We had parents, people with learning disabilities and / or autistic people. We had people working in local authorities, for providers, for health boards and for Welsh Government. We had politicians, third sector campaigners and advocates. Some of the experiences shared were hard to hear – and we all have to be able to hear those difficult experiences without defensiveness or fear. It’s hard.

When systems cause harm, we can go into overdrive to shut discussion down. We can say “It wasn’t us”, or “It doesn’t always happen”, or “We’re trying to change”, or “It won’t happen again”. But whilst it can be meant well, what people hear too often is: “We aren’t listening.”

At the event yesterday, we have an opportunity to build on the amazing and transformational campaigning of Stolen Lives and their supporters. To make their dreams of people living good lives a reality. To get there is daunting. It feels massive. It feels impossible, sometimes. But from a group of determined people, who are ready to make a difference and hear difficult things to get there… we could create hope.

In the 80s, a small but focused and determined group of people changed the world for people with learning disabilities in Wales.

In 2025, over sixty people turned up to start that again.

Imagine if we get this right. If we can look back in 20 years and say: we did this. Together. Despite all the hurt and harm, the fear and shame. We did this.

Let’s make it happen.

You can follow the progress and get involved by signing up to the Good Life Alliance mailing list here: https://goodlife.wales/subscribe/