“You think you know me, but did you know….”

And the word “but” is doing all kinds of heavy lifting in that sentence.

Over on our news page, you’ll find the details of the work that our Residents and Tenants have done over the last few months to assist in the training of the staff at the Care Quality Commission as the regulator looks to challenge stereotypes.

Centered around that phrase: “You think you know me but” the Residents and Tenants were then able to reel off all their achievements, which they were all only too pleased to do.

Some of these included carrying the Commonwealth Games baton, recording their own raps, or Dancing in the West End but so many more make their contributions to the community, working and volunteering.

The second part of the work allowed them to talk about their dreams and ambitions. Some wanted to get married, others wanted to be Dolphin trainers or just to help others.

The point is that whether you have Autism or a Learning Disability or not does not define you, nor does it ever stop you from having hopes, dreams or creating achievements.

What was striking about this piece of work was just how many of the Residents and Tenants wanted to get involved with this and were excited to share their stories and personal thoughts with the regulator.

That was the case from the moment we did the planning workshop – story after inspiring story was shared and that excitement of being part of the training was a vital part of the vibe of the filming days over the last few weeks (some Residents were more comfortable being filmed by Trust staff) as they were keen to just be heard.

Ensuring people are heard is perhaps the most vital component of what we do, and why we will always strive to be a voice for the people who live with us.

We do all we can to make sure that everyone who lives with us is able to live a life full of opportunity and choice, but more than that, we believe that no one should ever be defined by their disability.

That’s why breaking down these stereotypes are so important, and why being involved in this training exercise with the Care Quality Commission was vital. The input of the Trust family will be used to train the CQC staff moving forward, as they look to challenge their own thinking.

The phrase, you can’t be what you can’t see is all very well – and has huge merit. But this is not about seeing people as anything at all. Rather this is about altering thinking, expectations, and preconceptions.

So always ask yourself where the “but” is. Doubtless, there will be one behind every person. Let’s challenge that and alter everyone’s mindset as we move forward.