Lisieux Trust yesterday continued its involvement in Birmingham City Council’s research into the housing needs of people with learning disabilities, welcoming back Amy Coombs, Senior Public Health Programme Officer, and Jamie Perry, Public Health Programme Officer, from the Council’s Evidence Team.

This work builds on an earlier visit in February, when the team first met with Lisieux Trust to begin exploring the project. You can read more about that initial session here:
https://lisieuxtrust.org.uk/lisieux-trust-helps-shape-housing-research-for-citizens-with-learning-disabilities/

The latest session formed a two-part engagement visit, designed to capture a wide range of lived experiences from across the Trust.

In the first session in the morning, Amy and Jamie met with residents and tenants, alongside members of the Friends and Family Steering Group and a wider selection of people supported by Lisieux Trust. The discussion focused on what “good housing” means from their perspective, including what helps people feel safe, independent, and supported in their everyday lives.

In the second session, the conversation continued with staff from across services. This allowed colleagues to share their professional experience and insights into how housing, location, and support can impact independence and quality of life.

Across both sessions, a consistent theme was the importance of listening to lived experience when shaping future housing provision. Participants reflected on the value of accessible homes, strong community links, reliable support, and the ability to maintain independence in everyday routines.

CEO Jess highlighted the importance of ensuring that people with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them are all included in shaping research that will influence future commissioning and service design. She also noted the challenges that have been created by changes in planning policy, and the impact this can have on the availability and development of suitable housing options.

The insights gathered through these sessions will sit alongside wider engagement via Birmingham City Council’s “Be Heard” platform, contributing to a comprehensive report due in 2026, alongside an easy-read version to ensure accessibility.

Lisieux Trust is proud to continue supporting initiatives that place lived experience at the centre of research and help ensure future housing provision reflects what truly matters to the people who use it.