(Image: Supplied)
A North Easdt group of campaigners have launched a new film calling for action after figures revealed people with learning disabilities continue to have significantly shorter life expectancies.
People with learning disabilities made the video to encourage others to attend annual health checks and seek medical advice when needed.
It follows the 2024 LeDeR report, published in July 2026, which found that people with a learning disability die at an average age of 63—well below the wider population.
Anne Marie and Barry at the Stomp video launch (Image: Supplied)
Campaigner Barry Brown, who features in the film, said it was “fantastic” to “get the word out there”.
The group, who all have lived experience, gathered at the Grenfell Club in Redcar to share the film, delivering its message on large cue cards in the style of the famous Love Actually scene.
It delivers three key messages: book an annual health check, request a STOMP medication review if appropriate, and see a GP or nurse about any health concerns.
The campaign ends with participants singing S Club 7’s Reach. Group member Mica Hoare signs along in Makaton.
Anne Marie receiving award (Image: Supplied)
Emma Cluskey, a project worker at Skills for People, said: “What has been wonderful and key is that the group have been involved in every part of this.
“It meant a lot to the group to be able to share their voices on this.
“From the very start they came up with what they wanted to say, what mattered to them and how they wanted to do it.
Anne Marie and Barry at the Stomp video launch (Image: Supplied)
“And what was really important to them was the message of hope.
“That speaking up together we can make change.”
Patients and staff from Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust and Skills for People co-created the film.
Ms Hoare said: “It is important to me as when I was quite young I didn’t speak.
“I use Makaton signing to help me speak more. I am proud of myself.
“I use Singing Hands as the basis of Makaton.
“And it helps me to learn to help people across the world who have the same condition I have.”
The group has also worked on STOMP, which aims to cut the over-medication of people with learning disabilities or autism by tackling inappropriate antipsychotic prescriptions.
On September 23, Mr Brown and fellow campaigner Anne Marie Pearson won the Community and Collaboration Award at the National Lived Experience Awards.
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Their work highlights the urgent need for better health outcomes and stronger advocacy for adults with learning disabilities.
Mencap has easy-read information about the LeDeR report.
The group plans to share the film widely in the coming weeks to encourage more people to use essential health services and improve their life expectancy through early support.