Learning Disability Pride Pro bono work

We recently undertook some pro bono PR work for Learning Disability Pride 2025 which came about as it was a subject close to the heart of one of our colleagues, Suzy Spence, who had attended the event in previous years and was keen to offer our expertise to amplify it further. 

Learning Disability Pride is a powerful celebration of inclusion, visibility, and achievement for people with learning disabilities and our aim was to make people aware of the details of when the event was happening and secondly to raise awareness of learning disabilities. 

Initial Launch Our work began with an initial announcement that built excitement across media and social channels, helping to raise early awareness of this year’s event. We co-ordinated photography for the event at Carrickfergus Castle and sent this alongside a press release announcing when Learning Disability Pride would take place, also announcing that Learning Disability Pride has recently gained charity status earlier this year.

Ambassador Announcement We were delighted to work with Mencap NI to secure NI Down’s Syndrome model and advocate Kate Grant as ambassador for Learning Disability Pride 2025. Kate’s passion and profile added real impact to the campaign, and her involvement caught widespread attention from the media. We showcased her involvement in a feature piece as this year’s ambassador in one of the most-read newspapers in the run-up to the day. Recognising the importance of support from public figures, we also helped to secure a video message from the Health Minister. This message was shared on social media and at the event, underlining the significance of Learning Disability Pride 2025. We also invited a number of MLAs across the region who attended and shared their support on social media afterwards.

On the Day support Learning Disability Pride began with a lively and colourful parade through Carrickfergus town centre, with local community groups, support organisations, service users and local businesses all marching side-by-side in a sea of colour, joy and celebration. A spectacular highlight of the day was a Red Arrows flyover, drawing huge cheers from the crowds who had gathered on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Some of our team attended Learning Disability Pride for 'on the ground' support during the event and Ella who recently came to JComms for a week of work experience, also came along to gain more experience of the world of PR.

Q Radio attended as part of the carnival and we arranged a pre-recorded soundbite for the founder of Learning Disability Pride which was played later on-air. We also co-ordinated photography to capture a suite of photographs that were shared across media and social channels and alongside a post-event press release, celebrating the success of the day and participants, performers, and supporters alike. We organised our client Specsavers’ Home Visits team to be involved on the day. Their stand was a great fit for many people attending Learning Disability Pride, offering valuable information about accessible eye care services at home for people with learning disabilities, demonstrating how brands can engage meaningfully with communities.

Results

From national and regional media coverage in the build-up and after the event including UTV, Sunday Life, the Newsletter, Belfast Live, Ulster Tatler, Northern Ireland World, to strong social engagement and positive feedback from organisers, our work with Learning Disability Pride helped put the spotlight where it belonged - on the voices and achievements of people with learning disabilities. We’re proud to have played a small part in a truly inclusive event that continues to grow in reach and impact.